Press Release
☷Biden Harris Administration Bringing High Speed Internet Clean Drinking Water and Modern Infrastructure to Tribal Communities
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
Mar 14,2024
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In a casual announcement at a Tribal economic development conference in Las Vegas , USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack revealed plans to invest in clean water , internet access , and infrastructure for Tribal communities . The Yomba Shoshone Tribe in Nevada will receive funding for water improvements as part of this initiative . This investment is part of the Biden - Harris Administration ' s commitment to supporting Tribal economic development and removing barriers for Tribal nations . The project is a great example of how this group of federal partners is helping communities get access to government resources for building important infrastructure and supporting long - term economic growth where it ' s needed most . The Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota got a $35 million grant to set up a high - speed internet network for 3 , 300 people , 47 businesses , 55 farms , and seven educational facilities in Bennett and Oglala Lakota counties . The Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma will use a $22 million grant to do the same for almost 2 , 000 people , 12 businesses , and 100 farms in Le Flore County . These projects will make sure people have access to high - speed internet , which will create new economic opportunities and improve access to modern water infrastructure for future generations . Under the Biden - Harris Administration , the ReConnect program has given $1 . 1 billion to 57 Tribal communities . The Rural Partners Network is a USDA - led alliance of federal agencies and commissions that work directly with rural communities to access government funding resources for creating jobs , building infrastructure , and supporting long - term economic growth . Since its launch in April 2022 , the Biden - Harris Administration has provided about $2 . 6 billion for economic development projects in RPN communities across 10 states and Puerto Rico . Federal agencies partnering with USDA have also given over $80 million to RPN communities during that same time . Today ' s investments were made possible by the Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands program , which helps low - income communities get safe drinking water and waste disposal services , and the ReConnect Program , which provides funding for high - speed internet in remote rural areas . USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to boost economic opportunities , create jobs , and enhance the quality of life in rural areas . This assistance supports infrastructure improvements , business development , housing , community facilities , and high - speed internet access in rural , tribal , and high - poverty areas . Check out the Rural Data Gateway to see how investments are making a difference in rural America . Want updates from USDA Rural Development? Just go to the GovDelivery subscriber page . USDA is doing great things every day under the Biden - Harris Administration , like improving local food systems , creating fairer markets for producers , ensuring everyone has access to healthy food , supporting farmers with climate - smart practices , investing in rural infrastructure and clean energy , and promoting equity within the Department . Find out more at www . usda . gov . #USDA is all about equal opportunity as a provider , employer , and lender .
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