Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says three telephone utility companies have been awarded over $36 million in loan funds to improve, build and expand broadband services to rural territories and communities in Iowa. Included among them is the Griswold Cooperative Telephone Company, which will receive nearly $12.75-million in loan funds for the completion of a system-wide FTTP network, enhancing broadband service to all subscribers.

The funding announced today (Monday) comes from United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service. Harkin is a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee where he worked to increase the availability of broadband in rural areas.  He is also a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the USDA.

Harkin says “Improvements to broadband services in rural areas of Iowa are crucial for businesses, farmers and individuals for everything from business communications to the ability of students to be properly prepared. At the same time, this investment helps to create and preserve jobs in Iowa.”