REMER — A nearly $8 million federal loan and grant will support the cost of expanding high-speed internet access to more than 1,000 people, businesses and farms in rural Cass County.
The project was selected as a recipient of the ReConnect Program established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, among those receiving more than $700 million.
“High-speed internet is a key to prosperity for people who live and work in rural communities,” stated Secretary Tom Vilsack in a U.S. Department of Agriculture news release.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can ensure that rural communities have access to the internet connectivity needed to continue to expand the economy from the bottom up and middle out and to make sure rural America remains a place of opportunity to live, work, and raise a family.”
Applicants to ReConnect Program funding must serve a rural area that lacks access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second download and 20 Mbps upload. Applicants must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in the proposed service area.
To ensure that rural households that need internet service can afford it, all awardees will be required to apply to participate in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The program offers a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service to qualifying low-income households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $65 billion to ensure every American has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet through a historic investment in broadband infrastructure deployment. The legislation also lowers costs for internet service and helps close the digital divide, so that more Americans can take full advantage of the opportunities provided by internet access.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.
