USDA Invests $14.5 Million to Expand High-Speed Internet in Seven Wisconsin Counties: Fiber to Residents, Businesses, Farms and Schools
Stevens Point, Wisconsin — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson announced on Oct. 26 that USDA will provide more than $14.5 million in financing for a West Wisconsin Telecom Cooperative project to expand fiber-to-the-premises high-speed internet across seven rural Wisconsin counties, improving access for residents, businesses, farms and schools in Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce and St. Croix counties.
"This project is about more than broadband. It is about connecting people across these seven counties to greater opportunities and economic growth," Iverson said. "USDA's investment in high-speed internet infrastructure will expand access to healthcare and educational opportunities, strengthen business connectivity, and support job creation, helping rural communities connect, compete, and thrive in an increasingly digital world."
The funding is provided through USDA's Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees program, which offers direct loans and loan guarantees through the Federal Financing Bank to support telecom transmission and distribution facilities.
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. Its programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 照片：Wikideas1，CC0，经 Wikimedia Commons（威斯康星州议会大厦，Madison，资料图）
