Funding will provide high speed Internet access

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Wyoming State Director Glenn Pauley announced that the Department is awarding $9.59 million to provide high-speed internet access for rural residents and businesses in Wyoming.

“Connectivity is essential for our everyday activities and economic growth, and this funding will help several rural communities have improved access to high-speed internet,” said Pauley. “Rural Development prioritizes the development of infrastructure and access to basic needs in our rural communities, improving quality of life and economic prosperity.”

Tri County Telephone Association Inc. in Cody received a $9.59 million ReConnect grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network that will connect 204 people, 15 businesses and 19 agricultural operations to high-speed internet in Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, Sheridan and Washakie counties.

The project includes areas surrounding Meeteetse, Hamilton Dome, Manderson, Hyattville and a previously unserved area on the Big Horn Mountains between Greybull and Sheridan. All the project areas have less than six people per square mile.