Kilmer Announces New Federal Funding for Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1
PORT TOWNSEND, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced a $13.8 million award for Jefferson County Public Utility Service No. 1 (PUD). The award, including an approximately $9.2 million grant and $4.6 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, will support Jefferson County's plan to bring high-speed internet to rural electric customers without access.
“We know that access to the internet isn’t just about whether you can stream The Mandalorian on Disney Plus. It’s about whether you can have a telehealth appointment or take an online class or participate in an online meeting. And in our neck of the woods, too many folks can’t because internet infrastructure hasn’t reached them,” said Rep. Kilmer. “That’s why these investments matter. Federal dollars for projects like these go a long way in connecting folks. This funding for Jefferson County PUD No. 1 will soon bring high-speed internet to more than 650 additional households, all without the costs falling on the backs of local ratepayers and taxpayers.”
“High-speed internet is a key to prosperity for people who live and work in rural communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can ensure that rural communities have access to the internet connectivity needed to continue to expand the economy from the bottom up and middle out and to make sure rural America remains a place of opportunity to live, work, and raise a family.”
“During the pandemic, it became clear to our rural public utility that access to the internet was an essential service. In 2021, Jefferson County PUD set a goal of building fiber internet to every home and business in our electric service territory that can’t get access to broadband,” said Jefferson County PUD General Manager Kevin Streett. “With the Reconnect Grant and Loan, we’re now more than 90% to having that goal funded. Our commission, staff and customers are extremely grateful for the USDA for the award, to the WA State Broadband office for supplying matching funding, and to Representative Kilmer and his staff for their ongoing support.”
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Kilmer has advocated for increased federal investment in the ReConnect Program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program offers loans and grants for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of broadband facilities and equipment in eligible rural areas.
In all, $13,803,348 in new federal funding will help PUD complete its broadband expansion. More than 650 households will gain fiber connectivity, improving access to services, boosting economic opportunities, and enhancing Washingtonians’ quality of life while fostering civic engagement.
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