Alva Review-Courier -

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced on Friday the first of many federal investments targeting the creation of critical broadband internet infrastructure in underserved rural areas across the country.

Perdue visited the West Tennessee city of Halls to announce a $2.85 million grant to improve broadband internet connectivity for 347 households and one community facility over an area of 435 square miles (1,125 square kilometers) in rural Lauderdale County.

In a town hall meeting later in the day in Memphis, Perdue said the Forked Deer Electric Cooperative will...