WASHINGTON - Little River County, Arkansas, will receive $2 million in federal grant money to construct fiber optic cable lines to support broadband internet infrastructure, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced Thursday.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Recovery Assistance grant, administered by the department's Economic Development Administration, will be matched with $500,000 in local funds, according to a news release.
"This EDA investment will construct the fiber optic cable lines needed to support new and existing employers in the regions," Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said.
State and federal elected officials lauded the award.
"In our ever-increasing digital world, the need for broadband connectivity has never been greater. I'm appreciative of the investment by the Economic Development Administration and local dollars to increase access to high-speed internet and provide opportunities for economic growth," Gov. Asa Hutchinson said.
"This EDA investment is critical to closing the digital divide and expanding broadband so Arkansans have access to reliable high-speed internet connectivity which has become indispensable to improving quality of life and the success of local economies," Sen. John Boozman said.
"The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a significant need for broadband infrastructure in the Fourth District, and I am grateful the bipartisan CARES Act is making this grant possible. Reliable broadband will open a host of possibilities for the members of this community, creating a stronger economy and a more robust education system," said Rep. Bruce Westerman, who represents the county in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The CARES Act provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus.
This week's "On the Line" podcast features an interview with Rob Sitterley, president and CEO of Texarkana economic development organization AR-TX REDI. Among other topics, he talked to host Karl Richter about improving broadband access in the region: