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U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., joined U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., in reporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted $9,256,350 in funding from the Infrastructure Law to Sacred Wind Communications. This funding, allocated through the USDA's Rural Development Reconnect Loan and Grant Program, will facilitate the establishment of a fiber-to-the-premises network for residents in Sierra and Doña Ana counties, according to an Aug. 22 news release.
“Improved access to reliable high-speed internet means improved access to education, health care, and economic opportunity,” Heinrich said in the release. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, we are delivering major federal investments to develop the infrastructure needed to connect many more households, schools, small businesses and farms in southern New Mexico to affordable, high-speed internet.”
This network's reach will extend to deliver high-speed internet to a population of 4,962 individuals, 106 businesses, 11 farms and 17 educational establishments in the regions of Doña Ana and Sierra counties, the release reported.
Sacred Wind Telecommunications will utilize the Federal Communications Commissions' Affordable Connectivity Program to make this high-speed internet affordable for the residents, according to the release.
“Connecting communities to affordable and reliable high-speed internet access is critical for work, education and access to health care,” Luján said in the release. “That’s why today’s grant announcement represents great strides toward 100% connectivity. This investment will deploy broadband throughout southern New Mexico, benefiting businesses, farms and education facilities – bringing us one step closer to closing the digital divide.”
“High-speed internet is needed to connect New Mexicans, and it is critical that everyone has reliable internet, no matter where they choose to live,” Vasquez said in the release. “This $9.2 million investment from the federal government will help connect Sierra and Doña Ana counties, ensuring they have better access to education, health care and good-paying jobs.”