FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2020
Chariton Valley Awarded $897,191 in Broadband Grant Funding
Macon, MO – August 12, 2020 – Governor Parson announced that Chariton Valley has received $897,191 in Emergency Broadband Investment as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to help provide broadband services to parts of Chariton, Linn, Macon and Marion Counties.
At a press conference held at Chariton Valley’s Headquarters in Macon on Wednesday, Governor Parson stated, “Not only do we want to teach our kids, we also want to be able to have telemedicine. We want to be able to do healthcare in rural Missouri, that you have the same opportunity as anyone else does to be able to provide those services…”
Kirby Underberg, Chief Executive Officer of Chariton Valley, said, “As we know, broadband has become a critical infrastructure. In our current emergency state, we have learned that we can work, go to school, shop from our homes but it requires a fast, reliable, affordable connection. Chariton Valley’s vision is to provide premier services to enhance opportunities for rural communities, which we are doing by aggressively building fiber broadband across 
rural areas.”
One of the areas funded includes parts of Brookfield. Becky Cleveland, Brookfield Area Growth Partnership Executive Director, shared, “This current pandemic has taught us even when we seem closed down or separated from our schools or places of work, we can remain open with broadband internet connectivity. And when this black swan pandemic event is finally over, and it’s going to be over, I’m hopeful that history will report that the leaders of Chariton Valley in partnership with Missouri’s Governor
Mike Parson did not pause and wait it out but listened, invested in more and better broadband and eliminated the rural urban digital divide.”
Chariton Valley is committed to bringing fiber to unserved and underserved Missouri areas by delivering gigabit capable speed over an advanced network that extends directly into homes and businesses through a dedicated connection.
Underberg added, “We feel fiber gives the residents of rural Missouri an opportunity to compete and thrive for many years to come, but we’re not done yet. There are many areas that still do not have service that want or need the fiber. Chariton Valley will continue to do our part in closing that gap.”
About Chariton Valley
Chariton Valley, Missouri’s premier communications provider, through its influential leadership, innovative advances and 65+ years of experience continues to enhance rural prosperity and rural living. Chariton Valley’s reliable network utilizes fiber and wireless facilities to expand connectivity to students, families, farmers, businesses, medical facilities and rural communities every day while also providing video services for a complete communications package. Chariton Valley’s success is driven by a commitment to deliver an exceptional customer experience and to continue supporting the communities it serves with pride. Learn more at www.cvalley.net.
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Chariton Valley
Donna Bell 660-395-9636
[email protected]
www.cvalley.net
