The West Hills Coalinga campus is seen in this Facebook photo

West Hills Community College District will be receiving $1 million to assist in expanding high-speed internet capabilities in 14 communities across the San Joaquin Valley, thanks to the USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program.

The $1 million is part of $1.7 million dedicated to expanding and delivering high-speed internet to rural and tribal communities in California.

The funds will allow the district to create a broadband cooperative to identify and focus on unserved and underserved areas lacking broadband access with the outcome of providing accessible broadband services to all.

“This is not just about broadband access – it’s about fostering sustainable farming, building robust local economies, and empowering our rural communities for the digital future,” said Jeff Seed, associate vice chancellor of information technology at the district

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by the Biden Administration in 2023 will invest more than $65 billion to expand broadband services to communities across the country. Included in the investments are 216 projects in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the  Northern Mariana Islands.

In addition to the cooperative formed with the funds, Gila Electronics of Yuma Inc. will receive more than half a million dollars to expand high-speed services to the Chemehuevi Reservation in Northern California. The counties of Inyo and Mono in Eastern California will also receive nearly $200,000 combined to expand high-speed services at various areas in their respective counties.

“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas,” a U.S. Department of Agriculture news release received Thursday reads.

The rural development project will also support business development, housing, schools and other community facilities, as well as public service and health care in tribal and high-poverty regions.

More information about the program can be found at the USDA website.