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USDA Invests $2.3 Million to Improve Broadband Service in Texas

Name
Erika Archie
City
Temple
Release Date

State Director for Rural Development Edd Hargett today announced that USDA is investing $2.3 million to provide or improve rural broadband service in Texas.

    “We are pleased to be able to provide funding to the Comcell, Inc.,” Hargett said. “Broadband is a necessary tool to ensure rural America prospers.”

   USDA is making the investments through the Community Connect Grant Program, the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program and the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program. Investing in telecommunications infrastructure connects people to each other: businesses to customers, farmers to markets, and students to a world of knowledge.

    Comcell, Inc. will use a $2.3 million grant to construct a Fiber-to-the-Premises network and a wireless broadband network in Newport, Texas. The proposed area covers 73 square miles and 150 households located in Clay, Jack and Montague counties. Broadband speeds of 1Gbps on the proposed fiber network and 100 Mbps on the wireless network will be available. The investment will also set up six computer access points with free internet access within the Newport Community Center. This project will provide community members improved access to public safety, education and health care services.

   The project USDA is investing in today will help improve the quality of life in rural communities in Texas.

   In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a cornerstone recommendation of the task force.

   To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).

   USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.