Bipartisan infrastructure law aimed at helping rural residents, businesses and farms in Arizona
(KYMA, KECY) – More than $28.4 million will be invested in high-speed internet for rural communities, businesses and farms in Arizona.
The $28,485,976 investment comes from a bipartisan infrastructure bill led by Senator Kirsten Cinema and formulated by Senator Mark Kelly.
The funds will support two broadband projects, with a $3.5 million grant to Coconino County and a $25 million grant to La Paz County.
Senator Kelly said the investment in Coconino County will deploy an on-site fiber network and provide affordable high-speed internet through the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program.
Investments in La Paz County also provide affordable high-speed internet that benefits nearly 2,000 people, 41 businesses, 3 farms and 4 educational facilities in the county.
Senator Mark Kelly said it was a significant investment for Arizona’s second-least populated county of about 16,500.
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The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible homes with $30 per month Internet bills and $75 per month Internet service in tribal areas.
“With so many important facets of our lives, from education to telemedicine to online small business services,” Senator Kelly said, “the high speed and trust that every Arizona citizen needs to thrive. “Affordable access to high-quality internet is essential,” he said, adding, “Our bipartisan infrastructure law makes that a reality by bringing broadband to every corner of the state.”
“While negotiating the bipartisan infrastructure law, I secured a historic investment in broadband deployment to ensure that everyone in Arizona can connect to high-speed internet wherever they live. I am proud that my Infrastructure Act has brought broadband to rural and underserved areas of the state.” Cinema, lead author and negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law, said.
