Funding High-Speed Internet Access for Rural Residents and Businesses in the Yukon-Koyukuk Delta
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 27, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is providing $759 million to bring high-speed internet access to people living and working across 24 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and Palau. Today’s investments include funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides a historic $65 billion to expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet to all communities across the U.S.
“People living in rural towns across the nation need high-speed internet to run their businesses, go to school and connect with their loved ones,” Vilsack said. “USDA partners with small towns, local utilities and cooperatives, and private companies to increase access to high-speed internet so people in rural America have the opportunity to build brighter futures. Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to making sure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet. That’s how you grow the economy – not just in rural communities, but across the nation.”
Today’s announcement includes the first award to a Tribal organization in Alaska:
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Tanana Chiefs Conference is receiving a $30.3 million grant to connect 246 households, 17 businesses and three educational facilities to high-speed internet in the Yukon-Koyukuk area in Alaska. TCC will make high-speed internet affordable by implementing the FCC's Affordable Connectivity and Tribal Lifeline programs. This project will serve Hughes, Huslia, Alatna, and Allakaket.
In 2022, the Department has announced $210 million for Alaska from the third round of ReConnect funding. Applications for round four must be submitted by Nov. 2.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ak.
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