U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald LaVoy today announced that USDA is investing $152 million in 19 projects to provide or improve rural broadband service in 14 states, including Illinois. “Deploying high-speed broadband internet connectivity, or ‘e-Connectivity,’ in rural America expands access to essential health, educational, social and business opportunities,” LaVoy said. (USDA)