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Senator John Thune recently visited Rapid City, South Dakota, where he engaged with local officials to address important issues. One of his main focuses was attending the Midco Fiber Forward Luncheon at the David Lust Accelerator Building, organized by Elevate Rapid City.

The Fiber Forward program, which involves a 0 million investment, aims to bring high-speed internet access to underserved rural areas. Introduced in 2019, the program has a goal to establish 10G networks in residential and business locations by 2025. In the Black Hills region, approximately million will be allocated for residents, including those in Box Elder, Rapid City, and Spearfish.

Midco, the company spearheading the Fiber Forward initiative, states that there are currently 11,000 miles of active fiber networks. With the completion of the program, this coverage is expected to double nationwide.

Senator Thune highlights the significance of high-speed internet access in various sectors, such as healthcare and precision agriculture. He believes that the investment in fiber infrastructure will not only boost the local economy but also attract businesses to the area.

In addition to the Midco Fiber Forward Luncheon, Senator Thune participated in a roundtable discussion with members of Rushmore Electric Cooperative. Rushmore Electric serves eight rural co-ops in Western and Central South Dakota, providing essential power services to these communities.

Senator Thune’s visit to Rapid City underscored his commitment to addressing the digital divide and promoting economic development in rural areas. The discussions with local officials and organizations like Midco and Rushmore Electric Cooperative signify the importance of collaboration and investment in bridging the technological gap and supporting vital infrastructure in the region.

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