More communities are to get wired, as Florida is set to receive $51.2 million for 3 new Recovery Act broadband infrastructure projects, a statement from the Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Wednesday.
“The broadband projects will give rural Americans access to the tools they need to attract new businesses, jobs, health care and educational opportunities,” Vilsack said.
Some $38.3 million will go to Windstream Corp for high quality wireless service to one of the more geographically challenging areas in Florida. The funding is anticipated to benefit approximately 120,000 people, close to 4,750 businesses and 150 community institutions. Windstream Corp estimates that 225 jobs will be created upfront, with the remainder coming overtime.
Myakka Communications Inc. is expected to receive $7.9 million to deploy fiber optic cable in the rural eastern portion of Manatee and Sarasota Counties and stands to benefit 5,000 people, 2,000 businesses and 15 community institutions.
Litestream Holdings is likely to be awarded $5.0 million to extend its existing fiber trunk to serve over 940 unserved locations in a rural portion of unincorporated St. Lucie County, where 1,300 people, 375 businesses and 15 community institutions are likely to benefit.
In all, $1.2 billion will be invested across the U.S. in the 126 broadband infrastructure projects through funding made available through the Recovery Act. An additional $117 million in private investment will be leveraged, bringing the total funds invested to $1.31 billion.
Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement, the statement said.
