Grant from USDA ReConnect Program to provide highspeed internet to 5 MS counties

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith announcing a $4.69 million grant from the USDA ReConnect program. The grant is for the Bay Springs Telephone Co., to construct 116 miles of broadband fiber in five counties, with one being Lauderdale County.

In a statement Senator Hyde-Smith said “The ReConnect Program grant funds will help provide high-speed internet e-Connectivity to thousands of Mississippians across five rural counties. I’m excited that this important USDA Rural Utility Service investment will benefit households, businesses, farms, and our essential public safety, community services, educational, and healthcare facilities.”

The program is administered by the USDA Rural Development Rural Utility Service, and is a broadband pilot program created by Congress to provide USDA Rural Development financing and funding options for broadband deployment in rural areas that lack sufficient access to broadband.