USDA Invests $3 Million to Improve Broadband Access in Cordova, Alaska
Funding Will Help Cordova Telephone Cooperative Expand Service to Village of Chenega
CORDOVA, Alaska, April 15, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Alaska State Director for Rural Development Julia Hnilicka today announced that USDA is investing $3 million with Cordova Telephone Cooperative to build and improve critical broadband infrastructure in rural Alaska. The investment will help expand access to reliable telecommunication service in people’s homes and businesses in the Village of Chenega.
“When we invest in rural infrastructure, we invest in the livelihoods and health of people in rural Alaska,” Hnilicka said. “Broadband is an essential tool for businesses, residents and public institutions to be competitive and prosperous. The new connections rural residents make will allow for distance learning, telemedicine and entepreneurship and we are really excited about these opportunties and more to come for more Alaskans.”
As a Community Connect Grant, this investment will construct a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) system to benefit the Village of Chenega, Valdez-Cordova Borough, Alaska service area. It will also fund improvements to expand bandwidth to support higher service levels. Subscribers will have access to service of up to at least 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, expanding their reach to economic, educational, health care, and public safety opportunities. As part of grant conditions, computers and broadband service will be provided to residents free of charge for at least two years at the local community center.
This investment follows the recent passage of President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development’s programs are helping people, businesses and communities address critical infrastructure needs to help rural America build back better.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ak
|
