USDA Announces Broadband Stimulus Projects worth $548 Million

The Department of Agriculture announced the funding of 46 new Recovery Act broadband infrastructure projects impacting 30 states and worth $548 million. Look here for a full list of grantees.

In Louisiana, Pride Network, Inc. will receive an $18.4 million loan and a $17.7 million grant to deploy a Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network to bring broadband service to St. Helena, Washington, and Tangipahoa Parishes. The project will benefit approximately 25,000 residents, 3,000 businesses and about 200 community facilities. The company estimates the project will create 1,300 jobs.

In Washington State, EcliptixNet Broadband, Inc. will receive a $6.1 million loan and a $14.3 million grant to provide high-speed broadband service to rural portions of Ferry, Stevens and Spokane counties. Upgraded service will be available to over 68,000 residents, 3,600 businesses and 300 community facilities. The company estimates the project will create 230 jobs.

One award allow Red River Rural Telephone Association, Inc. to offer Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband service through a 690 mile network of fiber-optic cable. Exchanges in Ransom, Richland, and Sargent Counties in North Dakota will be served, as well as Wilkin County in Minnesota, and Roberts and Marshall Counties in South Dakota. An estimated 2,600 residents, 200 businesses and six community institutions will benefit. The company says that 110 jobs will be created as a result of the funding decision. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement.

One award will allow Orangeburg County (SC) to offer technology to residents in the communities of Rowesville, Canaan, Homestead, Bethel Forest, McAlhany, Pea Ridge, Lambrick, Sixty Six and Cattle Creek. The project will cover 278 square miles. About 9,000 residents will be served along with 90 businesses and 12 community institutions. The company estimates 70 jobs will be directly created. Windstream Corporation operating throughout South Carolina, will offer broadband service to the communities of Cameron, Fort Motte-Lone Star, Highland, Kershaw, Landrun, Lexington, Mount Pisgah, North, Orangeburg, Sandy Run-Staley, St. Matthews, and Westville. Almost 9,000 residents will be served, along with about 300 businesses and 40 community institutions. The project is estimated by the company to create 40 jobs. Windstream Corporation operating throughout South Carolina, will offer broadband service to the communities of Cameron, Fort Motte-Lone Star, Highland, Kershaw, Landrun, Lexington, Mount Pisgah, North, Orangeburg, Sandy Run-Staley, St. Matthews, and Westville. Almost 9,000 residents will be served, along with about 300 businesses and 40 community institutions. The project is estimated by the company to create 40 jobs.