Announcement is Part of $23.5 Million Awarded to Nevada

CARSON CITY, Nev., Dec. 18, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and USDA Rural Development Nevada State Director Lucas Ingvoldstad today announced more than $23.5 million to connect rural residents in Nevada to reliable high-speed internet through the Broadband Technical Assistance and ReConnect programs.

“Keeping the people of rural America connected with good, reliable high-speed internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country and creates good-paying jobs,” Secretary Vilsack said. “That’s why USDA’s ReConnect Program is an important part of our partnership with rural communities. Through these investments, we are connecting the most rural and remote communities to a global marketplace and bringing new opportunities within reach.”

“USDA Rural Development is dedicated to realizing rural prosperity in Nevada,” said State Director Lucas Ingvoldstad. “Internet access is critical to lowering barriers around education, healthcare, and new markets for rural Nevadans. Through Rural Development programs and investments, we’re proud to deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to the Silver State.”

Valley Electric Association Inc. (VEA) is receiving a $542,281 Cooperative Agreement for a Broadband Technical Assistance pilot project in Nevada to promote the deployment of high-speed fiber networks to the rural areas of Clark, Esmeralda, Lyon, Mineral and Nye counties. VEA will partner with local internet service providers and energy providers to promote the development of mid-mile and last-mile fiber in these remote areas of Nevada.

Lincoln County Telephone System will receive a $22,997,014 loan through USDA’s ReConnect Program to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet. This network will benefit 660 people, six businesses and two farms in Lincoln County in Nevada.

Clark, Esmeralda, Lyon, Mineral and Nye counties are part of Nevada’s Rural Partners Network (RPN) community networks. VEA previously received an $80 million Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) award to install a solar power generation and storage system.

A full list of projects from today’s announcement is available online.