USDA invests $48 million in rural broadband in Virginia

January 10, 2020 01:07 PM

The United States Department of Agriculture announced Friday that it has invested $48 million into high-speed rural broadband in Virginia.

“High-speed broadband internet connectivity, or e-Connectivity, is essential to economic development, quality of life and overall prosperity in any community,” the USDA’s Rural Business - Cooperative Service Administrator Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities deploying this essential infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

The money is part of a loan from the ReConnect Program and it will help construct a fiber-to-the-premises network that spans more than 1,800 miles and reaches more than 22,000 households. The network will also reach 19 educational facilities, eight critical community facilities and one health care center.

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