Pueblo of San Ildefonso Receives Broadband Funding
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ben Ray Luján applauded investments in rural broadband in New Mexico made through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The investments were announced today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pueblo de San Ildefonso will receive a $632,225 loan and a $632,225 grant to serve 2,405 households, while the Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative will receive a $4,818,607 loan and a $4,770,660 grant to expand fiber and wireless technology.
“Broadband technology connects communities, helps businesses grow, and provides students with the opportunity to learn new skills. As we expand broadband technology, we must ensure that our rural communities have access,” said Luján. “It is encouraging that the Recovery Act is making this important investment in broadband technology, especially in our rural and tribal communities.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than $254.6 million will be invested in 22 projects across the country. An additional $13.1 million in private investment will be provided in matching funds. Congress provided USDA $2.5 billion in Recovery Act funding to assist applicants to bring broadband services to rural unserved and underserved communities. To date, $895.6 million has been provided to support 55 broadband projects in 29 states or territories.
Two New Mexico broadband projects will receive funding:
- Pueblo de San Ildefonso: TewaCom Broadband Initiative (TBI), Phase 1-Upper Rio Grande Valley Project; $632,225 loan and $632,225 grant. The funding will enable the Pueblo to expand service to 2,405 households.
- Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative Inc.: The Penasco Valley Telephone (PVT) Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) Project; $4,818,607 loan and $4,770,660 grant. The funding will provide high-speed broadband to unserved areas in the ILEC territory through fiber and wireless technology.
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