The Arkansas Department of Commerce has awarded Cave City $803,762 from its Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) broadband grant program.
The city will work in partnership with Hillbilly Wireless, and the project will deploy fixed wireless to homes in Cave City, according to the department.
“I constantly hear from economic development leaders across the state about the poor broadband coverage in rural Arkansas,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “The ARC program will change that and allow rural Arkansas to compete globally.”
“Broadband is essential infrastructure and is similar to electricity, clean water, and paved roads,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “I will continue to ensure that Arkansans have access to 21st-century infrastructure.”
“Like many rural areas across the state, District 19 suffers from not having quality broadband,” said State Sen. James Sturch. “Connecting Cave City is a good first step to expand the broadband footprint in north Arkansas.”
“I am proud to be a member of the CARES Act Steering Committee, which is the funding source for the ARC program,” said State Rep. Michelle Gray. “Not only will these funds help us respond to COVID-19, but they will create a lasting impact on Arkansas.”
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