The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that fourteen projects being funding by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will receive vital infrastructure funding for rural broadband expansion.The projects also enjoy additional private funding, which brings the grand total of the awards to 3313,475,239. “Altogether, Congress awarded USDA $2.5 billion in Recovery Act funding to help bring broadband services to rural un-served and underserved communities.”
Vilsack stated,
‘"The Obama Administration will strengthen communities in rural areas through these broadband investments and provide employment opportunities, building a solid foundation for future economic growth . . . The awards for these broadband projects will support anchor institutions – such as libraries, public buildings and community centers – that are necessary for the viability of rural communities."’
To read the release or see examples of the recipients and their projects, click here.
Posted: 01/25/10
