WASHINGTON DC (July 19, 2019) — Representative Dave Loebsack today applauded the announcement of more than $51 million in grants to connect more than 15,000 rural homes and businesses across Iowa to high-speed broadband Internet. These grants are part of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Connect America Fund, which provides grants over 10 years to expand broadband in rural communities. Rep Loebsack serves on the Communications and Technology subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the FCC and broadband issues. He also serves as a co-chair of the Rural Broadband Caucus.
“Ensuring all Iowans, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed broadband is one of my top priorities. High-speed Internet is no longer just a luxury for a select few. It is unacceptable that in 2019, many families, small businesses, farmers, educators, and health-care providers don’t have access to high-speed Internet, which is needed to ensure our rural communities can thrive. Folks simply can’t compete in the 21st Century economy we live in without access to high-speed broadband Internet. I look forward to seeing the impact these grants will have on the communities who received them.”
Specifically, four counties in Iowa’s Second District will receive the following:
- Cedar — $688,064 to connect 248 locations
- Clinton — $2,577,636 to connect 634 locations
- Des Moines — $4,181 to connect 5 locations
- Henry — $6,580,342 to connect 1,849 locations
