Thursday, Jul 28 2011 3:57PM
USDA Rural Development's RUS Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program will provide internet access to a number of rural communities nationwide, including in Montana.
Nearly $200 million will be awarded to rural communities in eight states by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for broadband installation projects, the agency recently announced.
Speaking on behalf of Secretary Tom Vilsack, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Jonathan Adelstein stated the communities will receive $192 million in loans through the USDA Rural Development's RUS Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program.
"A significant portion of America still does not have adequate broadband for job and economic development activities," said Vilsack. "Working with our partners, including cooperatives and the telecommunications industry, USDA delivers broadband to rural areas, creating jobs and providing critical financial, educational and health care services."
The funding is part of $690 million provided to rural communities for telecommunications projects in fiscal year 2011 and $3.5 billion in grants made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
One community receiving funding from the USDA's program is 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative in Fairfield, Montana. The project will add broadband cable, construct buildings and install electronic equipment to expand telecommunications access for 4,700 households, 500 businesses and 82 community organizations.