Alpine Communications Blog

I recently read Cobank's interview with Iowa Senator Harkin concerning his views of the economy and ruralAmerica. The following question and answer caused me to pause and think about the investments and philosophy Alpine Communications has toward economic development regarding rural America.

OUTLOOK: What were the most important parts of the stimulus package for our rural communities?

Sen. Harkin: There were a number of investments in the stimulus package that were critical to helping rural communities. The act provided funding to develop vital community facilities in rural areas such as hospitals, health care clinics, water and wastewater systems and day care and elderly care facilities through the USDA Community Facility Program. To improve, develop, or finance business and industries that will provide jobs in rural communities, funding was provided for the USDA Business and Industry Program. We were able to provide additional funding for the Farm Service Agency loan programs to help farmers and ranchers with farm ownership and operating assistance.

 

I especially believe the $7.2 billion for the broadband program - of which $2.5 billion will be used for the Rural Utilities Service program at USDA - is vital to ensuring that rural communities have access to high-speed broadband service, which is important to economic growth, jobs, education and health care. 

Since 2006, Alpine has invested approximately $15 million in telecommunications infrastructure in Clayton and Fayette counties without any need for a stimulus package. These investments were made to improve the economic opportunities for both Alpine and our customers. The most recent Fiber to the Home investment in Elkader and Guttenberg has provided numerous opportunities for those communities. Our broadband network has allowed entrepreneurs to expand businesses, reduce costs and communicate with customers and vendors worldwide. Other customers have used the broadband network for education and medical reasons.

We will continue to monitor the stimulus plan and look for opportunities to aid our customers in all markets we serve. There are many organizations vying for the stimulus money from Google to Verizon and Comcast to Housing Development Groups.  In addition, we participate in and monitor all activities at the Iowa Utilities Board, State and Federal Governments to ensure our customers receive a level of service better (or at least equal to) than individuals and businesses in large metropolitan markets. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at 245-4000. 

Chris Hopp, General Manager/COO