Rep. Cuellar Announces Nearly $10 Million for Broadband Connectivity in Zapata County
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Sep 16, 2021, 0 Comments
Courtesy Dana Youngentob,
Zapata, TX—U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $10 million in federal funding for broadband connectivity in Zapata County. The funding will support broadband access to more than 5,000 households, 20 farms, 15 businesses, 15 educational facilities and 10 community centers.
“High-speed broadband is critical for a community’s growth and prosperity, yet many of our neighbors are unable to obtain reliable access. This federal investment will be used to improve internet speeds for schools, homes, and businesses, bringing new economic development opportunities to our communities.” said Congressman Cuellar. “I will continue to fund programs that close the digital divide between urban and rural America—because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
The funding, provided through the USDA ReConnect program, is broken up into a $5 million grant and a $5 million loan.
Congressman Cuellar previously supported the USDA ReConnect program in the FY22 appropriations process. The Congressman secured $800,000,000 for the ReConnect program and language that supports Distance Learning and Telemedicine and Broadband grant programs. These programs assist rural communities in connecting to the rest of the world and overcoming health disparities that affect rural communities.
