WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) penned an op-ed in the Reno Gazette-Journal to highlight her recent successes in securing hundreds of millions in federal funding to expand high-speed internet access throughout Nevada. Senator Rosen discussed how the new funding will help close the digital divide in Nevada’s rural and underserved communities that for too long have lacked access to affordable high-speed internet.
Reno Gazette-Journal: We’re making high-speed internet access a reality for all of Nevada
By Jacky Rosen
Key Points:
- When I visit Nevada’s rural communities, I hear far too often how the lack of high-speed internet hurts their families’ ability to see a doctor, go to school, or even do their jobs.
- That’s why tackling this issue was one of my top priorities when helping to write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As one of the authors, I helped shape these investments coming to Nevada. And now, just over a year after it was signed into law, federal funds are rolling into our state to bridge the digital divide.
- Just last month, Nevada received more than $416 million to expand access to high-speed internet across our state. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, which I helped create.
- Until recently, the Federal Communications Commission relied on an inaccurate map to pinpoint areas that needed these investments. Using this flawed map would have resulted in Nevada missing out on significant federal funding. I couldn’t let this stand, so I took action. I’m proud to report that thanks to these efforts, the map was updated. The new map found tens of thousands of locations that wouldn’t have been included otherwise, leading to a massive increase in funding and ensuring Nevada got its fair share.
- Not only that, but Nevada also recently received more than $43 million in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, a program I personally created. This new investment will facilitate and improve high-speed internet access to more than 21,000 locations across our state.
- As long as I’m in the U.S. Senate, I promise to continue working across the aisle and with our state officials to make these broadband projects a reality.
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