U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced nearly $173 million in funding to connect rural residents, farmers and business owners in the Dakotas and eight other states to reliable high-speed internet.
Projects are being financed by the fifth round of the ReConnect Program and are a central part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild the economy.
“Keeping the people of rural America connected with reliable, high-speed internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country and creates good-paying jobs,” Under Secretary Gooden said. “Thanks to USDA’s ReConnect Program, we are connecting the most rural and remote communities to a global marketplace. The investments we are announcing today will drive economic security and rural prosperity for generations to come.”
Under Secretary Gooden made today’s announcement during a visit to Standing Rock Telecommunications Inc. in North Dakota, which is receiving a more than $22 million grant. This project will benefit 426 people, 16 businesses, 104 farms and three schools in Sioux County, North Dakota and Corson County, South Dakota.
A full list of projects from today’s announcement is available online.
USDA news release
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