USDA Announces $25 Million Investment to Connect People in Rural California to High-Speed Internet

On June 12th, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director, Maria Gallegos Herrera, announced a $25 million investment to connect rural residents, farmers, and business owners in rural California to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. Using a grant of $25 million, the Cal-Ore Telephone Company will connect 757 people, 45 businesses, 14 farms and four (4) educational facilities to high-speed internet in the RCRC member counties of Modoc and Siskiyou. Cal-Ore Telephone Company will also participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program to make monthly internet service affordable.  

This investment by the USDA is part of the fourth round of funding for the ReConnect Program, which is part of the Internet for All initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For more information, visit the Reconnect Program website or contact RCRC’s Policy and Local Assistance Manager, Eric Will.