More Funding Available to Unserved and Underserved Communities

Data obtained from the Western Nevada Development District’s (WNDD) Nevada Speed Test Program was successfully used to support the grant application detailing the lack of adequate connectivity for residents in Lovelock and Pershing County. On Thursday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $27M award from the ReConnect and Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee programs. Internet provider UpRise Fiber will be tasked with connecting almost 4,900 people, 130 businesses, 22 farms and seven public schools in Lovelock and surrounding Pershing County.

Broadband Connectivity will aid not only economic development in the region but address health and public safety issues as well. Further, it will ensure that homes and business have access to affordable, adequate, and reliable high-speed internet.

“Think about it like this: On I-80 if you are a highway patrolman, now state police, and you pull someone over, and you have no service, you can’t call in that license plate. You have no idea who you are pulling over. It is a very dangerous situation,” said Christine Brandon, WNDD Nevada Speed Test Executive Director.

The WNDD Nevada Speed Test was launched in early November 2021, and the program began gathering vital information from participating member communities that will aid in identifying unserved and underserved areas. Data will help elected officials and agencies develop projects to address broadband inadequacies and apply for appropriate broadband grants to expand internet access and build a stronger digital infrastructure.

Naomi Duerr, City of Reno Council Member and WNDD President commented, “I have continued to push for communities to participate in our “Nevada Speed Test,” a way to evaluate your local internet service. As a direct result of WNDD’s Nevada Speed Test, Lovelock, one of WNDD’s 7 participating cities, along with the help of UpRise Fiber, was able to snag a $27 million grant to expand their internet service. It goes without saying – this is huge!”

“We are thrilled that UpRise Fiber was successful in receiving the ReConnect Grant and look forward to next steps,” said Heidi Lusby-Angvick, Pershing County Economic Development Authority Executive Director and WNDD Vice President.

Brandon stated, “The Nevada Speed Test is ongoing and the map continues to be refined as people take the test. I encourage everyone to take the test more than once so we can assess the region’s broadband needs and identify possible projects for future funding. Funding is still available but communities need to act quickly for the NTIA grants as the applications are due September 30, 2022. Secretary Vilsak did say that the USDA ReConnect grant program would have a 4th round of grant applications to be announced this Fall. WNDD will send that information out to all our members and subscribers as soon as we receive it!”

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The Middle Mile Grant Program Providing $1 Billion in Funding

It’s no secret that reliable, affordable broadband connectivity is vital to the economic development and well-being of all residents in the WNDD region. Unfortunately, many communities are still unserved or underserved with broadband connectivity.

Enter the WNDD Nevada Speed Test. Launched in early November 2021, the Speed Test began gathering vital information from participating member communities. The map continues to be developed as each resident takes the Speed Test, and participants are encouraged to take the test more than once to refine data. Simply, the test assesses the region’s broadband needs and identifies possible projects for future funding.

Check Out Speed Test Results For Your Community

Middle Mile Program Funding

While most of the funding from the original National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) programs from the Infrastructure Bill (IUA), will pass through the State, the Middle Mile Program WILL be accessible to local governments, and private and non-profit sectors.

The Middle Mile Grant Program will provide up to $1 billion in funding for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure. The purpose of the grant program is to extend middle mile infrastructure to reduce the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the internet backbone.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2022

Middle Mile Program

WNDD: Here to Assist Your Community

• Write grant applications for state, federal and other funding.

• Assist grant administrators and internet service providers in verifying the impact of their programs and intended targets in real time without relying on out-of-date historical maps.

• Check if broadband deployments and related grant programs are meeting expectations.

• Identify areas of broadband need and produce design and cost estimates for projects covering fiber, fixed wireless and hybrid options.

• Contribute to more detailed broadband design studies by GEO Partners at the county and city level (future studies).