Terri Sewell announces over $34 million in USDA funds to expand rural internet access in Lowndes County
Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced on Thursday that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $34,781,800 to increase broadband connectivity and internet services throughout Lowndes County. This funding is a part of USDA’s ReConnect Program and will be used to connect a prospective 4,646 people, 154 farms, 96 businesses, and three public schools to high-speed internet in Lowndes County. “As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to reliable high-speed internet is critical to the success of our communities,” said Rep. Sewell in a statement.“This $34 million investment represents a major step forward in our continued effort to connect rural Alabamians with broadband. I’m proud to partner with USDA Rural Development to ensure that Alabamians everywhere have access to the internet connectivity they need and deserve.” “Communities across rural Alabama need access to high-speed internet in order to participate in the modern digital landscape,” said USDA Rural Development Alabama State Director, Nivory Gordon. “Whether it is for learning, conducting business, connecting with loved ones, or providing services which are not available locally, the lack of high-speed internet access has a direct impact on the quality of life for our rural families. That’s why we here at USDA are working with high-speed internet providers to continue to connect rural Alabama to the world.” Hayneville Telephone Company is receiving a grant of $34,781,800 to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network that will connect residents, farms, businesses, and schools to high-speed internet in Lowndes County, Alabama. The Hayneville Telephone Company Inc. will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline programs. This project will be funded with a grant announced from the third funding round of the ReConnect Program. There is strong bipartisan for broadband expansion in both Washington and Montgomery. Expanding the broadband network has economic, healthcare, and education benefits for rural communities. Broadband access also makes rural communities more attractive for young people as they consider their futures and where they want to settle. To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area that does not have access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (download) and 20 Mbps (upload). The applicant must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in its proposed service area. Visit USDA website to learn more about this and other investment resources for rural areas from the USDA. Sewell is in her sixth term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Sewell, a native of Selma and a former attorney for the city of Birmingham, faces Republican nominee Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian nominee Gavin Goodman in the November 8 general election. The 2021 redistricting by the Alabama Legislature made the Seventh Congressional District a much more diverse and competitive district than it was in the past. Polls open on Tuesday at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. Voters wanting to participate in any Alabama election need to bring a photo ID with them to the polls. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Biden Administration names Nivory Gordon as state USDA director
The Biden Administration announced that Nivory Gordon Jr. has been chosen as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s State Director for Alabama. He is the first Black person to hold that position. According to an Al.com report, Gordon has served for more than 34 years at the USDA in Rural Development in Alabama. The Alabama A&M University graduate started his career as a Co-Op student and has held several positions at USDA Rural Development, including Assistant County Supervisor, Construction Analyst, Rural Development Specialist, Area Specialist, and Area Director. During his time, Gordon has overseen several projects, including a new City Hall in Camden and a water delivery system. According to the White House announcement, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster, and farm marketing programs in each U.S. State. Its mission is to “equitably serve all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans.” State Executive Directors ensure the needs of local constituents are met and that USDA resources are distributed equitably and fairly. State Directors lead offices that offer grants, loans, and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services. Gordon is a native of Wilcox County, Alabama, and currently resides there and operates a family farm in Furman, Alabama.
