Reconnect 100% grant infrastructure investments and jobs act

The Rural Utilities Service, a civilian agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has awarded a $25,000,000 Project Grant through the Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (CFDA 10.752) to the Scott County Telephone Cooperative, a non-profit telecommunications provider. This funding will support the deployment of middle-mile broadband infrastructure and a self-protected ring network to expand high-speed internet access across rural and underserved communities in Central Appalachia. Past federal awards totaling over $67 million have enabled the organization to construct 155 miles of new fiber optic cable network, significantly improving connectivity where over 27% previously lacked access. This latest grant, with an award date of August 2, 2023 and an ultimate completion date of August 2, 2025, will also fund the adoption of telemedicine, distance learning, and advanced technologies in the underserved rural regions served by the Scott County Telephone Cooperative.