Naig: Reliable, Affordable Internet is Key to the Success of Rural Communities

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 14, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Senator Joni Ernst today for a virtual ReConnect press conference. During the online event, the USDA announced it will invest more than $500,000 to bring high-speed, broadband internet service to parts of rural Iowa.

Secretary Naig issued the following statement in response to this announcement.

“I want to thank Secretary Perdue and the USDA for investing in rural Iowa. Digital infrastructure plays an important role in modern agriculture. From precision farming and in-field conservation practices to livestock production and operational management, connectivity is key to the sustainability, productivity and prosperity in rural America. Today, in the midst of this pandemic, telemedicine, distance learning and work-from-home arrangements further highlight the importance of this USDA ReConnect grant.” 

Breda Telephone Corp. will use the $523,749 USDA grant to deploy a Fiber-to-the Home (FTTH) network to connect 113 people, 20 farms and nine businesses in Arcadia, Iowa, located in Carroll County.

To learn more about the USDA’s ReConnect investment, visit usda.gov.

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About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home. Through its 14 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety and consumer protection. It also promotes conservation efforts to preserve our land and enhance water quality for the next generation. Learn more at iowaagriculture.gov.

Media Contact:
Don McDowell
Communications Director
515-281-3375
Don.McDowell@IowaAgriculture.gov