USDA announces $14.5 million investment Oct. 26 to lay high-speed fiber in seven Wisconsin counties
Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin — On Oct. 26, USDA Rural Development announced more than $14.5 million in financing for a West Wisconsin Telcom Cooperative project to lay fiber-to-the-home high-speed internet across seven rural Wisconsin counties. The beneficiary counties are Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce and St. Croix; the project will improve internet access for local residents, businesses, farms and schools. Andrew Iverson, USDA Rural Development's Wisconsin state director, said the investment is about more than broadband — it connects residents of the seven counties to greater opportunity and economic growth, helping expand health care and education opportunities, strengthen business connectivity and support jobs. The funding comes from USDA's Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees Program, provided through the Federal Financing Bank. USDA said high-speed internet is an important foundation for rural prosperity and that, once completed, the project will serve local communities for the long term. Project details and further developments follow information published by USDA Rural Development.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 光纤铺设（资料图），Public domain，来源 Wikimedia Commons
