Wisconsin Public Service announces $100 million in ARPA funding for broadband Last week the Wisconsin Public Service Commission announced the winners of its_2022_Broadband_Grant Funding Program …
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Wisconsin Public Service announces $100 million in ARPA funding for broadband
Last week the Wisconsin Public Service Commission announced the winners of its_2022_Broadband_Grant Funding Program awarding over $100_million_from the American Rescue Plan Act for 83 projects including all nine projects submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS).__ The nine projects PPCS submitted cover 460 miles of broadband reaching nearly 2,400 homes and businesses in Pierce and St. Croix counties. PPCS worked closely with the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation, the_ towns_ of River Falls,_Oak Grove,_Trimbelle, and_Ellsworth to bring fiber to the_premises_in these areas._Each town is utilizing their local ARPA investments as part of the commitment to deliver fiber._These projects will begin in 2022 and are slated to be completed by the_spring of 2023._ “We are excited and ready for the challenge to deliver fiber to our communities._This is a transformational opportunity for_residents _and the partnerships we have formed with local townships and community members speaks volumes about the importance of connecting_residents with reliable, high-speed internet,” said Nate Boettcher,_PPCS’_president and CEO._ PPCS,_through its broadband subsidiary_SwiftCurrent_Connect, _is_currently working on_Phase One of its broadband buildout by delivering fiber to 1,500 homes and businesses along a 175mile stretch._Contractors have been working over the past several weeks and will continue to the end of the year._Over the next several years, PPCS is looking to build_800 miles of fiber and connect 5,500 locations who have largely been underserved by current providers._ “Our goal is to make sure every one of our community members has access to high-speed fiber service. It’s an important part of helping our_members_Live Better. We believe connectivity in our service area is as important as electricity was in the 1930’s. Being connected allows our community to stay relevant and ensures that we have long-term stability and opportunities for future generations,” Boettcher said. _ Future information will be released around project timelines in early 2022. Customers can sign up and express interest by going to_www.swiftcurrent.coop_and clicking on the Check Now button on the main page._ About SwiftCurrent Connect
Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services is an electric distribution cooperative located in Ellsworth serving cooperative members across Pierce, Pepin, St. Croix, and Buffalo counties._In July 2021, PPCS launched_SwiftCurrent_Connect,_a wholly owned subsidiary,_to provide retail fiber service to those residents who are unserved by other providers with reliable high-speed internet service._
Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services