Federal investment brings internet access to rural areas

Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Rural residents, farmers and business owners are getting a relief from lack of reliable internet. Funs are coming from initiatives at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD). Idaho State Director Richard Rush announced the investment of $10.2 million to help residents get high-speed internet across Valley County.

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“Living and doing business in today’s world requires high-speed internet. Unfortunately, in rural Idaho, that service is seldom available,” said Rush. ”Through help from USDA Rural Development, almost 300 homes in Valley County will now have access to the internet. This is a critical step for rural prosperity in our state and rural states around the nation.”

The Midvale Telephone Company is receiving a $5,128,888 loan and equivalent grant to bring reliable high-speed internet to 273 residents in the remote area of Valley County. Funds are being granted from the ReConnect program, which is designed to provide the most difficult high-speed internet projects across the nation, mostly in rural areas.

The ReConnect program provides loans, grans, and loan-grant combinations to bring internet to the areas that do not have sufficient access to broadband. Funds can be used to pay for construction, improvement or facilities and equipment needed for the broadband service.

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The USDA-RD is investing $313 million in 18 states, many residents and businesses in rural areas would not have this access, and it is the main part in the Internet for All initiative to connect everyone to high-speed internet by 2030.

View the full list of projects available online.

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