FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Clarence, MO – June 20, 2023 – Today, representatives of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) and Missouri Office of Broadband Development (OBD), visited Clarence, a Chariton Valley (CV) grant awarded area, as part of the organization’s Helping Missourians Prosper tour. The tour celebrates the more than $500 million in funding awarded this year by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will only visit 12 locations among the nearly 200 grants awarded.
The event was held at a rural residence outside of Clarence and attended by Chariton Valley’s President and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Johnson, Director for the OBD BJ Tanksley, Clarence City Administrator Dennie Carothers, State Representative Louis Riggs, Director of Federal Initiatives for the DED Shad Burner, Acting Director of the DED Michelle Hataway, and other local officials.
“The Missouri Department of Economic Development is proud to partner with Chariton Valley to bring fast, reliable broadband to rural Missourians living in areas without service or with inadequate service. Broadband is now an essential utility,” stated Michelle Hataway.
In total, Missouri received $2.7 billion in ARPA funds with the state prioritizing about 20 percent for economic development programs. The DED formed nine new grant programs focused on broadband, community development, workforce, industrial sites, small businesses, nonprofits and more. Across all grant programs, the DED received over 2,000 applications and awarded 650 grants, ranging from $5,000 to $5 million plus. Currently, the DED has allocated 92% of all grant funding.
Chariton Valley was awarded over $43 million to bring high-speed fiber broadband to rural areas of Adair, Knox, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Ralls and Shelby Counties through the Missouri Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program funded through ARPA. With this grant program, the Missouri General Assembly allocated $265 million to the DED for broadband expansion in unserved and underserved areas of Missouri. Chariton Valley was the second largest grant recipient in the state and its 10 grants must be used to complete broadband infrastructures in certain areas by September 30, 2026.
When the projects are completed, approximately 4300 locations will gain access to symmetrical fiber internet, making online health care and educational services, remote work, and precision agriculture possible.
“It is an honor to have been selected as a grant recipient and for our project to be a part of the Helping Missourians Prosper Tour. We are excited for the residents, businesses and farms within our grant awarded areas to get the broadband they need now with the capacity and capability to meet their needs in the future,” said Ryan Johnson.
“Chariton Valley is a true community partner, committed to the people of north central Missouri. With the assistance of grant funding, Chariton Valley is providing our neighbors with a connection that will serve them for many years to come,” added Representative Louis Riggs.
Chariton Valley’s advanced fiber network delivers Gigabit-capable speed directly into homes and businesses through a dedicated connection.
To learn more about Chariton Valley fiber or sign up, visit www.cvalley.net/fiber or call 660-395-9000.
About Chariton Valley
Through its influential leadership, innovative advances, and 70 years of experience, Chariton Valley, Missouri’s premier communications provider, continues to enhance rural prosperity and living. Chariton Valley’s reliable network utilizes fiber facilities to expand connectivity to students, families, farmers, businesses, medical facilities, and rural communities every day. Chariton Valley’s success is driven by a commitment to deliver an exceptional customer experience and to continue proudly supporting the communities it serves. Learn more at www.cvalley.net.
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Chariton Valley
Donna Bell
660-395-9636
[email protected]
www.cvalley.net
