"OBAE awarded Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative (PVT) and TDS Telecom more than $1.25 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Connectivity to Declared Disaster Area Grants are designed for broadband recovery. The providers will rebuild and reinforce high-speed internet networks in the region and fund fiber redundancy to ensure communities like Capitan and Fort Stanton stay connected in future emergencies."
"Local, county and state officials joined leaders from PVT and TDS to mark the landmark occasion for Lincoln County, where wildfires and floods have severely damaged broadband infrastructure. "This funding is lifesaving as communication and broadband are critical in times of emergency," said Jeff Lopez, director of OBAE. "We feel it's imperative to award these grants to help families and communities harmed by disasters like wildfires and flooding.""
"PVT will use its grant to provide fiber redundancy to ensure the Capitan community is not cut off during a disaster. The route will also connect Fort Stanton with fiber broadband access. "PVT is honored to have been entrusted with this opportunity by OBAE," said Mitch Hibbard, PVT chief operating officer. "We're grateful for the continued support from the Lincoln County Commission and our state legislators. This fiber route is a critical step in ensuring our communities stay connected, especially when it matters most.""
More than $1.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding will support broadband recovery in Lincoln County. OBAE awarded grants to Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative (PVT) and TDS Telecom to rebuild and reinforce high-speed internet networks damaged by wildfires and floods. PVT received $1 million and TDS Telecom received $251,300. The grants fund fiber redundancy projects to prevent communities like Capitan and Fort Stanton from losing connectivity during emergencies. Local, county and state officials joined company leaders to mark the effort. Officials emphasized that resilient communication infrastructure is critical for emergency response and community safety.
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