Utilizing funds through the USDA ReConnect program, STRATA Networks has a plan to expand high-speed broadband internet to over 400 square miles in Duchesne and Uintah Counties. United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald LaVoy made the announcement of the $23.6 million dollar investment during a press conference on Thursday at the Big Run Ranches in Whiterocks. “High-speed broadband connectivity, or e-Connectivity, is essential to increasing rural prosperity,” LaVoy said. “It spurs economic development, creates better opportunities for education, increases access to high-quality and specialized health-care services, and strengthens public safety and emergency services. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has made the deployment of this critical technology in the rural communities that feed, clothe and fuel the world a top priority, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.” STRATA Networks will use the $23.6 million dollar ReConnect half loan/half grant to build an all-fiber network that will reach over 3,000 farms, businesses, and homes. “STRATA is very pleased to be selected as a ReConnect loan-grant recipient,” stated Bruce H. Todd, CEO/General Manager of STRATA Networks. “These funds will help to further expedite our aggressive broadband build-out plans in the Uintah Basin. The specific locations that these funds will be used to serve are remote and pose significant financial barriers to delivering service. We look forward to completing these projects and improving broadband services to these rural customers.” The ReConnect program locations are in addition to areas that STRATA already had plans to build fiber in the Uintah Basin in the coming years. The map of locations that will be benefitted by this program can be seen at www.stratanetworks.com/reconnect.
From left to right: Deputy Undersecretary DJ LaVoy, STRATA Networks CEO/GM Bruce Todd, USDA State Director Randy Parker, Uintah County Commissioner Brad Horrocks, Duchesne County Commissioner Irene Hansen
