From October 27, 2022 post.
Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development, Xochitl Torres Small, announced a $36,492,568 ReConnect Program loan to the Public Service Telephone Company — based in Crawford County — that will improve access to high-speed internet for several counties in Middle Georgia.
“Broadband access is crucial to so many aspects of our everyday lives, from how we get our news and entertainment to how we keep in contact with loved ones and doctors. The recent pandemic also highlighted how important it is in order to keep our teachers and students connected,” said Congressman Bishop. “All communities — no matter the ZIP code — should have the same opportunities and access to affordable, high-speed internet. That is why I have worked hard in Congress as the leader of the subcommittee that funds Rural Development programs, like ReConnect, to make sure we are getting resources to build out this crucial infrastructure.”
“When the people of rural America connect with reliable, high-speed internet, they can build stronger markets, get the healthcare they deserve, and transform our country with innovative ideas and perspectives,” said Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “Thanks to leaders in Congress like Congressman Bishop, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is bringing affordable, high-speed internet to everyone in rural America. We are proud to partner with Public Service Telephone Company to connect people, schools, businesses and farms here in rural Georgia to each other and to new opportunities in the world’s marketplace.”
“We are excited to be able to upgrade and expand our infrastructure across the area we serve with the further installation of fiber optic cables and associated equipment,” said James Bond, CEO of Public Service. This significant investment will support our mission statement to serve our communities more efficiently as we continue to grow our network across Middle Georgia.”
The project announced today will reach seven Middle Georgia counties, including Talbot, Monroe, Crawford, Marion, Taylor, Macon, and Bibb. 21,289 people, 569 businesses, 323 farms, and 29 educational facilities will benefit over the 22 year loan term.
It was part of a larger $759 million award announcement by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack which is providing funding to projects across 24 states. A majority of the funds announced today were made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, better known as the bipartisan infrastructure law, which the Congressman supported and was signed into law late last year.
“People living in rural towns across the nation need high-speed internet to run their businesses, go to school and connect with their loved ones,” said USDA Secretary Vilsack. “USDA partners with small towns, local utilities and cooperatives, and private companies to increase access to high-speed internet so people in rural America have the opportunity to build brighter futures. Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to making sure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet. That's how you grow the economy – not just in rural communities, but across the nation.”
The ReConnect program aims to bring broadband internet access to rural areas by providing loans, grants and loan-grant combinations. These funds are available for construction costs and for improvement or acquisition of broadband service facilities and equipment.
ReConnect leverages private-sector investments to bring stronger internet service to homes, businesses and community facilities. By doing so, public safety, health care, education, and agriculture are improved.
USDA is accepting new applications to the ReConnect program until November 2, 2022. Visit https://www.usda.gov/reconnect for more information.
Original source can be found here.
