USDA awards MidSouth Electric Co-op $6.18 Million
Courtesy photo Photo L to R: Brandon Northcut, Mike McDougald, Scott Long, Bo Williams, Andy Dallmeyer, Dennis McWhorter – MidSouth EC Board, Sec. Sonny Perdue, Kerry Kelton – CEO of MidSouth EC, Dennis Gilmore
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a $6.18 million grant to Mid-South Electric Co-op. The grant will be used to deploy fiber across the co-op’s network of utility poles, enhancing electric reliability and opening the door to expanded rural broadband access for MidSouth consumer-members.
The funds are part of the USDA Broadband Reconnect Program, which was created to bridge the digital divide in rural America.
As technology advances, MidSouth continues working to make their distribution system smarter and more robust. Being able to add fiber across their utility network will allow them to modernize operations and enhance awareness about what’s happening across the system. This enhances response times during outages and improves reliability. In addition, it will open the door to expanded rural broadband access for over 25,000 MidSouth members.
Rep. Kevin Brady, Sen. Ted Cruz, and other Texas lawmakers played a pivotal role in making this grant funding possible.
“Congressman Kevin Brady provided exceptional support and was an integral part of making the grant funds a reality for the members of MidSouth Electric Co-op.” said CEO Kerry Kelton. “We encourage our members to thank Congressman Brady by expressing what high-speed internet means to you, your family and business. MidSouth appreciates the consistent support from Congressman Brady and looks forward to continuing to serve our communities together.”
As part of this project, MidSouth will install a fiber-optic cable on the poles that are currently within the co-op’s Rights of Way.
As an added benefit of this fiber installation, Mid-South will be able to begin providing reliable fiber internet service to our communities. The service will be optional and will follow strict build out plans. Anyone interested in true fiber internet service is encouraged to pre-register at midsouthfiber.com to express your interest.
MidSouth Electric Co-op serves over 25,000 consumer-members in and around Grimes, Walker, Waller, Brazos, Madison, Montgomery, and Waller counties. The co-op is focused on providing quality service at a reasonable price, bringing vital services to increase both the quality of life and economic health in the Mid-South service area.