Rural Colorado Broadband
More unserved and underserved areas of rural Colorado will soon have the last mile of broadband internet service.
The USDA has awarded a 6 million dollar ReConnect grant to Yampa Valley Electric Association to install a fiber-to-premises network.
This is the second round of grants for rural colorado communities.
Greenberg: “ In some very remote and rural areas; Dove Creek, Lewis, Colorado, Delores Basin. That part we’ve got predominately ag in those regions. Of course Dove Creek a lot of dry beans, sunflower, cattle operations out there but very rural, very remote. So we’re very excited to see more dollars flowing to rural broadband, especially that last mile out to folks who are rural. Especially in a time of COVID-19, we see how necessary it is with families staying home with their kids homeschooling, working remotely. And this, of course, this pivots to a lot more online sales for producers. We’re seeing more marketing going on online. Every single person in the most rural parts of Colorado should have equitable access.
Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg.
This new round of funding will connect 553 people, 27 farms, 27 businesses, and three post offices to high-speed broadband internet in Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt, Grand, and Eagle counties.
