Siletz Tribe receives $11.7M USDA grant for rural broadband

October 21, 2026 - 22:32

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $11.7 million to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians to expand high-speed internet access in rural Lincoln County, Oregon. The agency announced the funding, which comes through USDA Rural Development's ReConnect Program, an initiative designed to support broadband deployment in areas that currently lack reliable service.

The project will build a fiber network aimed at connecting households, businesses, and community institutions that have struggled with inadequate internet infrastructure. Rural parts of Lincoln County have long faced limited connectivity, creating barriers for residents who need dependable access for work, education, healthcare, and emergency services.

Tribal leaders have emphasized that broadband expansion is critical for economic development and for delivering essential services to underserved communities. The fiber network is expected to improve speeds and reliability for thousands of residents who have been left behind by larger providers.

The ReConnect Program has become a key tool for closing the digital divide in rural America, and this award represents one of the larger investments in Oregon's coastal region. Construction timelines and specific service areas will be determined as the project moves forward.