<div>U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on April 3, 2023, announced a $40 million award to provide high-speed internet access for people living and working in rural areas in New Mexico. The funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's supplemental broadband funding for the agency's ReConnect program. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has given USDA unprecedented resources to close the digital divide in rural America,” Vilsack said. “Connecting rural Americans to reliable, high-speed internet helps farmers and businesses operate more efficiently and break into new markets. It helps build and keep wealth in rural communities. USDA is committed to making sure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet. That’s how you grow the economy – not just in rural communities, but across the nation.” The $40 million in grants comes from the fourth funding round of the <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EB4rtdhiZCJV-TJKH7IyHr0UY-Dk4fDk1whFf-JtHGrgk6N_TtDTWGmHPL1Gi-B1BupkHfhlN3tWzMl0CxOk6b0gRwILuDKB_FU2Z_kl4Se3FUM2B3L5xfU_IQEJMUmMzFnA1k5TS_j8Q5CzgpcmvA==&amp;c=jq43rfXBK2VfrFkxAw97AObEbH6DwkHXCsz27DK-VOJmzCjuej7Ldg==&amp;ch=Xl7zx-ImCJA66pWya2ApClzFFqONZg84bLhqayhyNQF7TH1Qlx3rQA==">ReConnect Program</a>. The Department will announce additional investments in the coming weeks. USDA has invested $1.7 billion since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration through the ReConnect Program to bring high-speed internet access to rural Americans. The three projects being announced today in New Mexico are: </div><ul><li>The Western New Mexico Telephone Company Inc. is receiving a $23.8 million grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet access to people in Catron County. The company will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs (ACP). It also will provide a $34.99 monthly plan with 75 megabits per second upload and download speeds for subscribers within the project area who are enrolled in the ACP.</li><li>The E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative is receiving a $2.6 million grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet access to people in De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, San Miguel, Socorro and Union counties. E.N.M.R. will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the FCC’s Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs. This project will serve socially vulnerable communities in De Baca, Guadalupe, San Miguel and Socorro counties.</li><li>The Peñasco Valley Telephone (PVT) Cooperative is receiving a $13.9 million grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet access to 550 people, 48 farms and 11 businesses in Chaves, Eddy, Otero and Lincoln counties. PVT will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). PVT also offers a program that can provide free internet for households participating in the ACP. This project will serve socially vulnerable communities in Chaves, Eddy and Otero counties.</li></ul><div>Background: ReConnect Program To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area that lacks access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. The applicant must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in its proposed service area. Background: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Biden's <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EB4rtdhiZCJV-TJKH7IyHr0UY-Dk4fDk1whFf-JtHGrgk6N_TtDTWNTaYvEaz-sm8f8a0xhFpL2H1o911Fq3dHEN_AnliTfBKXyYLS47jxz3cFkwbMlDvYrUv9CPHxRv4rYWn3QsLPo1yyoPzYJ9FE9niEZKcImA3ktsAmN3CMNSon4JJg6cXXDkYZl3cZsq6EuBgfdHCDU=&amp;c=jq43rfXBK2VfrFkxAw97AObEbH6DwkHXCsz27DK-VOJmzCjuej7Ldg==&amp;ch=Xl7zx-ImCJA66pWya2ApClzFFqONZg84bLhqayhyNQF7TH1Qlx3rQA==">Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</a> provides $65 billion to ensure every American has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet through a historic investment in broadband infrastructure deployment. The legislation also lowers costs for internet service and helps close the digital divide, so that more Americans can take full advantage of the opportunities provided by internet access. To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EB4rtdhiZCJV-TJKH7IyHr0UY-Dk4fDk1whFf-JtHGrgk6N_TtDTWIc1dClOVJbdAJOTfl6ofFW-925NNxzIDwMgRhKAYikCoH-V4HwQTgoLyOSCZO2xuRTCuPGZofY4Ya7pkXCJSV-W_ROf-CTvrw==&amp;c=jq43rfXBK2VfrFkxAw97AObEbH6DwkHXCsz27DK-VOJmzCjuej7Ldg==&amp;ch=Xl7zx-ImCJA66pWya2ApClzFFqONZg84bLhqayhyNQF7TH1Qlx3rQA==">www.rd.usda.gov</a> or contact the nearest <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EB4rtdhiZCJV-TJKH7IyHr0UY-Dk4fDk1whFf-JtHGrgk6N_TtDTWMBIPmRjiZKgMSul8DqxT3NliAjnwRXWWclTmpjQxrXEptFx2j29FB_wzH5QQzXqYiZ-tZa7sLji1OBfGmFdDK7nfLzkMUbQd7OjVKHPpAOsjHmnZFVEKpY=&amp;c=jq43rfXBK2VfrFkxAw97AObEbH6DwkHXCsz27DK-VOJmzCjuej7Ldg==&amp;ch=Xl7zx-ImCJA66pWya2ApClzFFqONZg84bLhqayhyNQF7TH1Qlx3rQA==">USDA Rural Development state office</a>. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.</div>

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USDA announces $40 million for New Mexico broadband from ReConnect Round

<div>On Friday, December 23, 2022, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced that all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have received their broadband planning grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. “In a matter of months, we’ll begin to see plans from around the country, detailing how each state will connect all their residents to high-speed, affordable Internet service," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. <a href="https://ntia.gov/press-release/2022/biden-harris-administration-awards-more-6-million-massachusetts-internet-all">Massachusetts received $6,003,760.60</a> in a Friday announcement, the last one made by the Commerce Department agency. <a href="https://ntia.gov/press-release/2022/biden-harris-administration-awards-more-57-million-new-mexico-internet-all">New Mexico received $5,740,534.91</a>. in an announcement on Thursday. Kansas was also awarded its funds, in <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/discuss-kansas-broadband-grants/kansas-receives-5-7-million-in-broadband-planning-grant-announces-state-conference-on-january-19-2023">an announcement on Thursday</a>.  From the statements regarding Massachusetts: </div><blockquote>“Too many communities across Massachusetts still lack access to reliable high-speed internet, which is critical for students to attend class, seniors to communicate with their doctors, and families and friends to stay connected,” said Massachusetts Sen. Edward J. Markey. “With these funds, Massachusetts can continue unlocking the promise of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and take an important step toward closing the digital divide. I will continue to push for transformative investments to ensure that high-speed internet access is not a luxury reserved only for the wealthy, but is available to every person across the Commonwealth.” “Our administration has prioritized efforts to connect all communities with broadband and high-speed internet access that is critical for economic growth, health care, education and so much more. We are deeply grateful to our federal partners for this additional support to build on those efforts,” said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker.</blockquote><div> </div><div>From the statements regarding New Mexico: </div><blockquote>"Improved access to reliable high-speed internet means improved access to education, health care, and economic opportunity,” said New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich. “This major federal investment that will help deliver high-speed internet to New Mexicans is exactly why I worked so hard to pass the landmark Infrastructure Law." “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is changing lives in New Mexico,” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “In a rural state like ours, the internet is critical infrastructure, and these federal resources will help us build the foundation needed to make high-speed internet access a reality for every New Mexican.” “I’m pleased to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work once again in New Mexico. High-speed and high-quality Internet service is a utility, and the $1.5 million from the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the Digital Equity Program will help our communities create the most comprehensive and equitable broadband expansion plans possible,” said Rep. Leger Fernández (NM-03). “Access to high-speed service is a necessity. The BEAD program will help us close the digital divide and fulfill our responsibility to provide these services to all of our communities.” “Together, the BEAD and Digital Equity programs provide a historic opportunity to address all aspects of the digital divide in a thoughtful, concerted manner – with the promise of lasting impact for New Mexicans all across our state,” said New Mexico Broadband Director Kelly Schlegel. “The planning funds will be instrumental in helping us identify gaps – in broadband access, adoption, and use – and create a stakeholder-driven plan of action. We cannot wait to get started in the new year.”</blockquote><div> Previous announcements on <a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e0084d09844982a75d1f357253fdd119e11edfc88db295df5742124c80f7cec5a40fe7912c1b8d0c91715b2ad6d388a6162">InternetForAll.Gov</a>:</div><ul><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e0079f1e1ea3cf63957fe33995342bc8d64a46ca8f0618d39ed4dbafedfb20c5ee2b878c64ef001493acc7f3a055f1b7808">California</a>: $8,998,027.00 </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e005aac2225fc4442d2e1e04b13ff29dbf19223b07a068cd0bcc03a3869e2416e9f92871458a0f3af558e8ac70eff12a757">Illinois</a>: $6,515,352.64 </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e007b2c6c48934efa02786277efe0797ad8345be4e0a609afb938370a6c68f549afc523c9976d829e96eb7652960aaa045c">Indiana</a>: $5,802,586.60 </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e009e7ffc702760f0f4443c73c576dcb3b2b29124241d3b2dafbaea8297fa63b12b4da2a707253f5847e696072862927825">Kansas</a>: $5,692,606.99 </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e000a55654702bd3e59b9ee4b50aade1eb81be9d06c2573969e855813978c3aef83fed1a98f4ab58ad848436cc421beedba">Massachusetts</a>: $6,003,760.60</li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e00c61a9eb1c852db73c7147ec42362e02e32bf4cd3bfa02fecb60849e40ba7bffad8bdbd2d0623584101172b2c7b50a3cd">Michigan</a>: $6,326,649.52</li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e0087f1931a87e02c443302c095b179bf68d45f992bb5a409b848e6c242a5d0477f8f4624c01ea2b3688f4d6d66daa8d0bf">Nevada</a>: $5,754,458.89  </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e00061a4f6d03bcc07a70a2f2e927217621800c90d84b401952e142088a4217d812b53a070eb11cc001b95a06434eacbf0e">New Jersey</a>: $6,098,830.90   </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e0063a56016216e6025cdc3a2922639a25cc40090c9e9d1c8b6a24ad228d2b80082944348858a0ce87c0db3577b09e27ccb">New Hampshire</a>: $5,525,033.51  </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e00dd85324846f606c84386c2aa62e2b63054ed3c7cb82714f7d5ef415dc5d55eec25f295e003ec9c3ca9345e09c40df1a5">Oklahoma</a>: $5,882,087.78 </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e003df701557acfc27fe34ba2271a84fd0bbca4cd41d045f18595979b4741221fd3fb4d7cb233d51686de997ec2a9617a09">Oregon</a>: $5,782,193.00 </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e00beb719283bd771b4ac3e811394545eb09b0be0ade7cd8367ab7176577a3159bfc41f879d38c896c56dd5755286738231">Texas</a>: $8,110,148.10 </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e0070d352599ff6191f0e7a3808150b363680d6bfd529452abc0fc30ead89591ac888e8ecb35273736211308daaadce941b">Wyoming</a>: $5,430,005.00 </li><li><a href="https://click.messages.ntia.gov/?qs=0686c9643f7b7e00b3f35b7846e4d871e759c0b07b8a04a43f1372bfa31a777390630eb51ebea5f7c0c8d0f994a6a8334d6ed7b3329a513c">Vermont</a>: $5,518,154.20 </li></ul><div> </div>

All States, D.C. and Puerto Rico receive broadband planning grants from NTIA

Drew Lovelace

Office of Broadband - Deputy Director

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USDA announces $40 million for New Mexico broadband from ReConnect Round

All States, D.C. and Puerto Rico receive broadband planning grants from NTIA

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