Washington — Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement on his efforts to secure funding in the 2020 Federal Budget to continue to expand rural broadband access.
“Two years ago, I led the effort in Congress to create the ReConnect Program, which provides loans and grants to help expand broadband infrastructure to rural America. As a result, USDA is investing millions of dollars to improve internet connectivity in rural Alabama, bringing new economic development opportunities to our communities.
“I am proud that the FY2020 Appropriations bill includes $555 million to expand on the successes of the ReConnect Program and I look forward to building on the progress that we’ve made in bringing high-speed internet to rural Alabama.”
Further background:
On December 5, USDA announced an investment, through the ReConnect Program, of $62.3 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve e-Connectivity for more than 8,000 rural households, 57 farms, 44 businesses, 17 educational facilities, 14 critical community facilities, and three health care facilities in rural Alabama.
