Mitch Landrieu, senior advisor to President Joe Biden and White House Infrastructure coordinator, alongside other officials, announced a $675 million investment as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand broadband access in New Mexico. At a July 6 press conference, Landrieu emphasized the essential nature of high-speed internet for societal participation and highlighted the president’s commitment to providing affordable and reliable service to all Americans.
“Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity to fully participate in today’s society, and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is ensuring all Americans have access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service no matter where they live,” Landrieu said in press release from New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office.
With 79 ongoing broadband projects valued at $1.2 billion, approximately 70,000 connections will be established in the state, the release said. An additional $200 million in funding will be allocated toward digital equity programs. The funds have been made available through the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. By the end the year, New Mexico will submit a comprehensive plan to the federal government outlining the utilization of the funding across various regions in the state.
“This award is part of the single largest investment in high-speed internet in history, and it’s bridging the digital divide by building fiber-optic cable made in America – all while creating good-paying jobs for years to come,” Landrieu said in the release. “Building out high-speed internet infrastructure in New Mexico will level the playing field, spur economic growth and opportunity, and help us meet the President’s goal of Internet for All.”
April McClain-Delaney, deputy assistant secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, echoed Landrieu’s sentiment.
“Whether you live in a city, in rural areas, or on Tribal lands, Internet access isn’t a luxury – it is a necessity,” she said in the release. “Thanks to the Internet for All initiative, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re bringing affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service to every home and business in New Mexico.”
Kelly Schlegel, director of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, also shed light on the benefits of the investment.
“With the $675 million allocation at our disposal, we have the opportunity to modernize our infrastructure, expand the reach of broadband connectivity by laying new fiber, enable remote learning for our children, facilitate improved health outcomes through telehealth, and create a level playing field for businesses across the board,” she said in release. “This significant funding will pave the way for essential updates and advancements that will positively impact our communities, ensuring equal opportunities and a brighter future for all.”
Lujan Grisham expressed how the state is ready for broadband expansion.
“It is time to bring the next level of reliable, high-speed broadband internet to New Mexico,” the governor said in the release. “We have already been investing heavily in broadband across the state, and this new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will allow us to accomplish our biggest goals and projects – like giving all New Mexicans a chance to access broadband in the next three years. Thank you to President Biden and New Mexico’s Congressional delegation for supporting these projects by securing funding for our state.”