CHICAGO, ILL. (AP) -- Illinois and seven other states will get millions in federal stimulus money for broadband Internet projects in rural areas.
More than $14 million in loans and more than $8 million in grants will go toward setting up a fiber-optic network in 24 southern Illinois counties.
More than $5 million will also come from private investment for that project.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the money on Tuesday.
He says the $150 million in stimulus money for such projects will help draw business.
He says it's also vital for the operation of what he calls "anchor institutions," such as libraries and schools.
To date, the USDA says more than $1 billion has gone for 67 broadband construction projects in 30 states and one territory.
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