Two internet providers on the central Oregon coast have been awarded millions in federal funds to install high-speed broadband connections in rural areas.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $759 million in grants and loans last week for 49 recipients in 24 states. The two Oregon recipients were Siuslaw Broadband, which got a $10,700 loan, and Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, which got a grant close to $25 million.
Pioneer Telephone Cooperative is receiving the grant to provide fiber-to-the-premises connections for 3,570 people, 558 farms and 72 businesses in Lincoln, Benton, Lane, and Polk counties.
Siuslaw Broadband’s loan will allow them to connect 1,407 people, 28 businesses, 21 farms and two educational facilities to high-speed internet, according to the project description. The improved service will mostly be along Highway 126 between Florence and Walton, and Highway 36 through the area of Deadwood.
The awards are through the USDA’s Re-Connect Program, which offers loans, grants and loan-grant combinations for broadband service in rural parts of America that do not have much access. The program aims to help with long-term rural economic development. The $759 million comes from the third round of funding for the program.
