Enchantment State News

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded $49,858,624 in Infrastructure Law funding to the Clovis-based E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative to expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet for residents in Clovis and surrounding communities. The funding will be delivered through the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program.

“I am thrilled to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to invest in New Mexicans,” said Heinrich. “Every person needs reliable internet access – whether it’s to do homework, operate a small business, or to access telemedicine. I’m proud to have helped secure this important federal funding that will plug more of our communities into the 21st century, boost our economy, and grow a stronger middle class.” 

“Homegrown New Mexico broadband providers have an inherent incentive to serve the community because it means connecting family, neighbors, and local schools,” said Luján. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’m proud to welcome over $49 million in investments from NTIA to Plateau Telecommunications for middle mile infrastructure. That means direct support for our local provider to build alternate paths, increase resiliency, and deliver faster speeds. These investments will bring faster, stronger, and more affordable connections to our rural communities in eastern New Mexico – an important step toward bridging the digital divide."

“I’m grateful New Mexico will receive a $49.8 million grant to improve internet infrastructure. Our community's connectivity is essential for our families to work, learn, and stay healthy. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law does just that - it connects our communities to accessible, reliable, internet regardless of where they live or how much they make,” said Leger Fernández. 

"I am excited to hear of the $49,858,624 million in federal funding which will increase resiliency and bandwidth with upgrades and new fiber routes for ENMR. We are grateful for this investment in ENMR's network infrastructure which will support our area and its future economic growth," said City of Clovis Mayor Michael Morris.

"We're elated to receive this important funding, which will enable us to significantly upgrade our infrastructure and provide improved connectivity to our customers," said Launa Waller, CEO of ENMR. "The NTIA Middle Mile Grant will empower us to deliver higher broadband speeds and robust service availability to last-mile and wholesale customers, particularly in unserved and underserved areas."

"The grant allows us to complete this significant project without incurring additional debt, ensuring its sustainability and profitability over the life of the fiber," added Waller.

Original source can be found here.