Cuellar Announces Completion of Broadband Connectivity Programs in Webb County

Press Release

US Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced the completion of the Las Lomas, Las Penitas, Los Botines, Simeon Park and Hachar Business Park broadband connectivity projects. The projects were completed with the support of $14,000,000 in federal funds to provide families and businesses in rural Texas communities with access to high-speed broadband.

The funds were used primarily to install fiber optic cable to provide high-speed Internet access. Approximately 47 miles of fiber optic cable were installed in Las Lomas, connecting the Santa Teresita Community Center. The project will also provide broadband to 423 households in Las Peñitas and Los Botines, 50-75 businesses in Hachar Business Park, and a local fire station in Simeon Park.

The funds were primarily used to install fiber optic cable on the premises for high-speed Internet access. The projects guarantee future-proof technology and access to 1 gigabyte of upload and download speeds.

The completion of the project comes at a critical time as broadband connectivity is now essential in all communities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The federal investments I am announcing today ensure that many of our businesses and communities have sufficient access to the robust and reliable broadband that has become essential for businesses, schools and health care providers," said Congressman Cuellar. "By helping private and non-profit providers like Alenco obtain the necessary funding, our communities can connect through a seamless national telecommunications network. I thank all of our partners here and I am committed to our continued work to ensure that all of South Texas has access to reliable broadband connectivity."

"In today's world, technology plays an important role in the world of communications. The pandemic proved it," said Commissioner Rosaura "Wawi" Tijerina. "I firmly believe that education is the key that opens all doors in life. Therefore, bringing broadband to rural areas is definitely very necessary for children to continue their studies, especially for higher education. Thank you Congressman Cuellar for always fighting for Webb County."

Estimated project costs, confirmed by USDA and Alenco, are below:

Las Penitas and Los Botines: $1.9 million

Las Lomas: $2.5 million

Simon Park: $193,000

Ax Park: $80,000

Source