Expanding rural broadband under administrator infrastructure plan

By Farms.com

The USDA, under Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, recently unveiled a significant investment to expand high-speed internet across rural America. With a focus on 11 states, this $5.2 million initiative is part of the comprehensive administration's Investing in America agenda, facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This initiative supports rural cooperatives, local organizations, and Tribes in their efforts to bring high-speed internet to underserved communities, thereby ensuring equitable access to essential digital resources. The funding will assist in various phases of broadband deployment, from feasibility studies to technical design and community engagement. 

For instance, in Texas, projects like those by Ciomperlik Enterprises will receive funding to enhance internet access across several counties, ensuring that communities there can participate fully in today’s digital economy. Similarly, in Missouri, the University of Missouri curators will spearhead broadband economic studies to further support regional development.

The USDA’s commitment extends beyond funding. It also involves strategic partnerships with state and local entities to ensure that the infrastructure developed is sustainable and meets the needs of rural and Tribal communities. These actions are critical steps toward eliminating the digital divide, fostering long-term economic growth, and securing the health and educational benefits that come with reliable internet access.

By prioritizing these underserved areas, the USDA aims to not only improve connectivity but also to support the broader goals of resilience and sustainability in America's rural heartlands.