Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett yesterday announced that USDA is investing more than $200 million in infrastructure projects to bring broadband to hundreds of unserved and underserved rural communities. The announcement was well received at the Nevada Governor's Broadband Summit at the State Capitol, where experts were gathered to discuss the need to connect underserved areas of the state for education, health, business and economic development activities.
“Broadband is vital to our entire economy,” Hazlett said, during a visit with the Central West Virginia Development Association, which is using USDA's broadband funding to build a system to serve more than 3,600 households, businesses and community facilities in Barbour, Randolph and Upshur counties in rural West Virginia.
“Broadband can help businesses grow, can expand access to health care, education and training, and can improve the delivery of social services," Hazlett said. "This is why USDA is investing in rural broadband infrastructure. Unfortunately, nearly 40 percent of rural residents and businesses lack access to the same level of broadband service available in urban areas. USDA is working hard to bridge this gap.”
In Nevada, USDA's Broadband Programs have invested over $41 million in rural Nevada since 1998 including $24 million in telecommunications loans to local telephone companies to build infrastructure; $4.2 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine loans and grants for rural connectivity and health care; and $9.5 million in Broadband Initiative Programs to extend broadband connections to remote and rural communities.
These awards are being financed through USDA’s Telecommunications Program, which has provided financial assistance to more than 500 telecommunications providers nationwide.
For information about how to apply for the USDA Rural Development Broadband Telecommunications Program go to: the agency's website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/telecom-programs For questions, contact Nevada General Field Representative Rocky Chenelle at rocky.chenelle@wdc.usda.gov or by phone at (530) 379-5032.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. With a portfolio of over $220 billion, this agency's assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv.