The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is giving $3.9 million to an Iowa company that provides internet services. This money will help improve fast internet access in Linn County. The program, called ReConnect and supported by President Biden's law for building better infrastructure, is behind this funding. Prairieburg Telephone Company Incorporated, based in Linn County, will get $1.99 million as a loan and a grant from the USDA. This money will help them build a better network to offer fast internet.
Theresa Greenfield, who leads USDA Rural Development in Iowa, says that having fast internet is very important. It helps people learn online, get medical help, and do business. This funding is part of the ReConnect program, which aims to help people in rural areas get good and affordable internet.
Prairieburg Telephone Company wants to make the internet service they provide affordable for everyone. They plan to do this by taking part in programs from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that help people get affordable internet.
This investment is part of the fourth time the ReConnect Program is giving out money. This program is connected to President Biden's goal of giving fast internet to all Americans by 2030 through the Internet for All plan. This announcement is about $667 million that the USDA is giving to different states. This is a big step towards fixing the problem of some people not having good internet.
For people who live in rural parts of Iowa, this is good news. It means better chances for jobs and a better life. The USDA Rural Development is helping rural areas by giving money and making things better, like the internet and other important things.
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Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle