Tag Archive for: USDA

USDA Awards Pulse $1M Grant to Expand Service Up the Big Thompson Canyon

 

A $1.037 million grant awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and their “Community Connect Program” will provide the funding needed for Pulse to expand deeper into Big Thompson Canyon.

Where We Will Build

Pulse will use the funding to connect the Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park area to high-speed, fiber optic internet and other communications including phone access. This access can be crucial to underserved communities during emergencies such as the Alexander Mountain Fire which struck the area in the summer of 2024. In addition, 223 residents and four businesses in the Cedar Cove, Bartram Park and Idlewild Lane areas will also be able to receive Pulse services, including a direct fiber line to their home or business, PulseTV, and home phone.

As part of the grant requirements, Pulse will be adding internet access at community centers within VS Mt Park and Stoney River Lodge. This means visitors and residents will have access to wireless internet connections in these public areas.

Logistics

Because the canyon falls outside of Loveland city limits Pulse partnered with Larimer County to apply for the grant and will split the cost of the required 15% match with the county.

Providing ubiquitous access to high-speed internet has been one of Pulse’s goals since our inception, and this funding helps us take a massive step towards continuing to serve our community.

Pulse already has aerial lines up parts of the Big Thompson Canyon but will start the main construction process sometime next year.

To learn more, check out this article in The Loveland Reporter Herald.