The USDA is investing $46.4 million towards high-speed internet connection in rural Illinois as part of the ReConnect Program.

US Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue shared the projected impact of the investment during a virtual announcement Tuesday.

“Over 21,209 people effected, 397 farms, 475 businesses, 16 educational facilities, 5 fire stations and 3 post offices.”

A $20 million ReConnect grant and $20 million ReConnect loan is being awarded to Hamilton County Telephone Co-op to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network in Saline, Williamson, Franklin, and White counties.

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