LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak is launching an initiative that aims to "close the digital divide" for Nevadans without adequate access to high-speed internet service.
An initiative
As many as 450,000 Nevadans are considered underserved for high-speed internet, the governor's office said, citing data from the state's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology.
The "High Speed NV" initiative will use funds from the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to build up high-speed internet infrastructure in rural and urban parts of the state.
Sisolak's office says the initiative "will also be jobs-focused and provide workforce training opportunities to a new generation of telecommunications workers."
The governor formally launched the initiative during a tour of the Southern Nevada Traffic Management Center on Thursday. He was joined by Lt. Gov. Lisa Cano Burkhead and Brian Mitchell, who directs the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology.
Today - we’re talking about #HighSpeedNV and I’m so excited that @SecretaryPete will be in NV next week with myself and State and local leaders for the launch of the I-15/Tropicana Project. We’re focused on investing federal funds to create change for generations of Nevadans.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 26, 2022
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will be in Nevada next week to launch another "high-speed" project at Interstate 15 and Tropicana Avenue — this one focused on transportation infratstructure.
"We're focused on investing federal funds to create change for generations of Nevadans," Gov. Sisolak said.
The initiative is expected to be complete by 2029.
For now, the Affordable Connectivity Program is offering $30/month discounted home internet to any Nevadan at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
For more on how to apply, click here.
