WCBC

August 16th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office will invest $2,374,598 to provide critical internet infrastructure and services to support digital opportunities in Garrett County, Maryland. 

 

This funding will provide internet access to over 1,300 households and 90 businesses in the area. In addition, it will allow Garrett County to open a local community center, where residents will be able to access computer terminals and WiFi internet access free of charge. This will expand access to high-quality broadband internet service, ultimately improving economic development, education, health care, and public safety.

 

“Access to the internet is absolutely crucial for job-seekers and businesses alike,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “This federal investment in Garrett County’s internet infrastructure will keep the local economy moving while keeping residents connected. It’s a win-win for Western Maryland. I’ll keep fighting to ensure every corner of our state has the broadband resources it needs.”

 

“Maryland’s success depends on the strength of every region of our state, and ensuring our communities have access to high-speed internet is crucial to that goal,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committees. “This funding will open more opportunities to the people of Garrett County and spur economic growth throughout the area. I will continue working to connect communities across Maryland to high-speed, broadband internet access.”

  

The USDA Community Connect program helps rural communities extend access where broadband service is least likely to be commercially available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for people and businesses. The projects funded by these grants help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the internet for jobs, education, healthcare, public safety and community development.