$253M Broadband expansion to bring high-speed internet to 5 Central Valley communities
VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- County, state and federal leaders gathered Friday at the Visalia Convention Center to highlight efforts to expand high-speed internet access across five Central Valley counties, addressing longstanding connectivity challenges in rural communities.
While high-speed internet access has become commonplace for many residents, those living in remote areas have continued to face barriers to reliable service, a problem that became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tulare County Supervisor Dennis Townsend recalled hearing from families who struggled to access online learning.
"That's when I started getting calls from the parents and my friends and family, calling and saying...they can't get online, they can't get do these online courses because a lot of them, especially my district, live in these very remote areas," Townsend said.
Officials said the need for improved connectivity led local leaders to pursue a coordinated funding effort across county lines.
Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig said broadband access is a regional issue affecting communities throughout the area.
"Broadband challenges do not stop at county lines, and so when we serve our constituents, some of them don't know which county they live in, but many of them know they don't have access to high-speed internet," Magsig said. "With this investment, those communities are going to be transformed."
According to officials, the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program funded a $253 million grant to expand high-speed internet access in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced and Tulare counties.
Leaders said the expansion is expected to benefit education, public safety, health care and economic development throughout the region.
"44% of California's agriculture is exported, we have to be active in markets and have access to online efforts," Congressman Jim Costa said.
Darcie Houck of the California Public Utilities Commission said the project reflects a collaborative effort among the five counties.
"It is so inspiring to see these five counties come together for this amazing project. The largest award in our bead project," Houck said.
Officials said the project is expected to take several years to complete, with timelines varying by county.