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Senators secure funding for high-speed internet in Polk County

Polk County Courthouse (Courtesy of Jolene Guzman/Polk Itemizer-Observer)

High-speed broadband is on its way to rural parts of Polk and Linn counties. 

Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced on Wednesday that PEAK Internet will receive $13.2 million in federal funds to help connect 5,265 people, 32 businesses, 13 farms and two public schools to high-speed broadband internet in the counties. 

The funding is part of the federal ReConnect program that seeks to give rural communities better internet access. The senators said in a statement that broadband internet is particularly important at a time when Oregonians are working from home, attending school remotely or receiving telehealth services because of the pandemic.