U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Thursday that the USDA is investing $5.2 billion to build and improve critical infrastructure in 46 states and Puerto Rico. The Biden Administration investments focus on rural communities and will help expand access to high-speed internet, clean water, and reliable electricity in people’s homes and businesses across rural America.
The announcement follows the recent passage of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The USDA’s Rural Development programs aim to help people, businesses, and communities address critical infrastructure needs to help rural America build back better, according to the press release.
Sec. Vilsack said:
“When we invest in rural infrastructure, we invest in the livelihoods and health of people in rural America. Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to Building a Better America by investing in America’s rural infrastructure, expanding access to broadband, clean drinking water and resilient power infrastructure. The investments we are announcing today will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come.”
One of the states that will see support for rural infrastructure projects is Alaska as the Biden Administration announced that the Interior Telephone Company will use a $2.6 million Community Connect grant to build a 19-mile Fiber-to-the-Premises system, which will expand access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for nearly 200 people and 32 businesses in Port Lions, Kodiak Island Borough. Funds also will help build a community center where residents can access the free high-speed internet for up to two years.
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