U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker are praising the United States Department of Agriculture’s decision to grant over $30 million for broadband fiber expansion in Mississippi.
The USDA issued the grant as part of its ReConnect Rural Development Program. As a result, high-speed internet will be delivered to an estimated 10,000 Mississippians in Copiah, Jasper, Lawrence, Newton, Simpson, Scott, and Smith counties.
“These new ReConnect grants will continue USDA Rural Development investment in bringing affordable internet service to rural communities in Mississippi, including underserved areas,” Hyde-Smith said. “Access to reliable broadband service through this program will help improve all aspects of rural life—our homes, businesses, farms, and all levels of public services.”
The USDA’s project grants include:
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- $22.2M for Lawrence, Newton, Copiah, Simpson, and Scott Counties – TEC of Jackson will deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network, connecting 9,770 people, 92 businesses, and 310 farms to high-speed internet.
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- $8.12M for Jasper and Smith Counties – Bay Springs Telephone Company will connect 1,123 people, nine businesses, and 57 farms to high-speed internet.
“Today is a good day for many Mississippians who do not have access to high-speed internet,” Wicker said. “These large investments from the USDA will help move Mississippi forward and ensure our state can compete economically for years to come. Rural broadband is a game-changer for our communities, and I look forward to the many more investments in our state that will be made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
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