USDA Rural Development California State Director Maria Gallegos Herrera has announced USDA is funding more than $14 million in six projects throughout California to bring high-speed internet and provide for critical waste management infrastructure and training.
“Whether it’s high-speed internet or wastewater treatment, these are investments in rural health and quality of life,” Gallegos Herrera said, adding that “these projects are a great step forward in supporting the visions our communities have for themselves and their futures.”
High-Speed Internet Awards
Under the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, USDA is providing $1.7 million to help four organizations deliver or receive technical assistance to expand high-speed internet access for people in rural and Tribal communities in California. This funding will also develop and expand broadband cooperatives in rural areas.
West Hills Community College District is receiving $1 million to promote the expansion of high-speed internet in 14 communities across the San Joaquin Valley in California. West Hills Community College District will create a broadband cooperative that identifies and focuses on underserved and unserved areas with the outcome of providing equitable and affordable broadband service to all.
Gila Electronics of Yuma Inc. is receiving $535,655 to promote the expansion of high-speed internet to the Chemehuevi Reservation in California. Gila Electronics of Yuma Inc. will promote planning, identify resources and formulate a plan to improve the quality of life on the Chemehuevi Reservation through access to high-speed internet.
County of Inyo is receiving $110,500 to promote the expansion of high-speed internet in the communities of Furnace Creek, Park Village and Inn at Furnace Creek in California.
County of Mono is receiving $83,000 to promote the expansion of high-speed internet in the community of Hammil in California.
The Broadband Technical Assistance Program is made possible by President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $65 billion to expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet to all communities across the U.S.
Water and Environmental Investments
Earth Island Institute is receiving a $161,000 grant to provide solid waste and resilience planning and management through technical assistance and training. The project will provide assistance to 44 California, seven Arizona, 17 Nevada, and six New Mexico federally recognized Tribes. This investment is possible through the Solid Waste Management Grants Program to help organizations provide technical assistance and training for rural communities and utilities to improve solid waste facilities.
City of San Juan Bautista is receiving $12,492,000 in loan and grant to make major wastewater system improvements. This funding is provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program which helps state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes build and improve rural wastewater systems.
These investments are included in a national release in which Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is funding 216 projects in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands to bring high-speed internet, clean water, state-of-the-art infrastructure and economic growth to rural communities as part of the Investing in America agenda.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ca.
