10 Broadcaster Press September 4, 2018 www.broadcasteronline.com USDA Launches Webpage Highlighting Resources Tax Collections Increase At The To Help Rural Communities Bridge The Broadband 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally E-Connectivity Infrastructure Gap PIERRE, S.D. — Tax collections at the 2018 Sturgis MotorcyWASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today unveiled a new webpage featuring information about the importance of rural e-Connectivity and the ways the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing to help deploy high-speed broadband infrastructure in rural America. “Rural high-speed broadband e-Connectivity is as important for economic development as rail, roads, bridges and airports – and as vital as the buildouts of rural telephone networks were decades ago,” Perdue said. “USDA is committed to being a strong partner with rural leaders in deploying this essential infrastructure.” Reliable and affordable high-speed internet e-Connectivity acts as a catalyst for rural prosperity by enabling efficient, modern communications between rural American households, farms, ranches, businesses, schools, and health care centers. Yet, according to the Federal Communications Commission, 80 percent of the 24 million Americans who lack broadband access live in rural areas and on tribal lands. USDA plays an important role in helping rural communities bridge this infrastructure gap through program investment, strategic partnerships and best practice implementation by investing in rural telecommunications infrastructure. This new website will provide direct access to information on our decades-long programs that offer more than $700 million per year for modern broadband e-Connectivity in rural communities. In the coming months, USDA will almost double these longstanding programs with an additional $600 million to expand rural broadband infrastructure in unserved rural areas and tribal lands. As we are working to set up the new pilot program, USDA wants to hear the thoughts and needs of Americans living and doing business in rural communities. The new website includes a feedback form for the general public and interested stakeholders to provide input on the design and requirements of the new pilot program. In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump, which included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB). USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda. gov. cle Rally increased by 3 percent compared to 2017. To date, the South Dakota Department of Revenue has collected nearly 1.29 million in taxes from temporary vendors at the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The state sales tax accounted for the majority of collections with $742,181. At this time last year, the department collected $710,839 in state sales tax. The department’s 2018 collections also include $245,019 in the state tourism tax and $298,971 in municipal taxes. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an important event for South Dakota,” Revenue Supervisor Lori Haupt said. “The Department of Revenue works hard to make the sales tax process as smooth as possible for the vendors who attend the event. This process wouldn’t be possible without our valuable partnerships with fellow state agencies, our local county and municipal governments and vendors at the rally.” Tax revenue increased in 2018, despite fewer temporary vendors at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally compared to 2017. The 2018 rally featured 1,011 temporary vendors, while the 2017 event had 1,058. The Northern Black Hills, which includes Sturgis and all other communities in Meade and Lawrence counties, accumulated $972,278 in tax from the 804 vendors present. The Southern Black Hills, which includes Rapid City, Custer, Hill City and Keystone, had 207 temporary vendors with $313,893 in total tax collected. Taxes collected at the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally included state sales, tourism, municipal sales and municipal gross receipts. A GreAt Hunt BeGins WitH us! A GREAT HUNT F F 0% Ow & Any 1 Bo del sed r Mo U Any ous Yea i k Prev in Stoc BEGINS WITH US! Men’s Women’s & Children’s Apparel 15% OFF • 10 days Only! Best Shotgun Sale EVER Dog ng i rain Vinci or Vinci T Super Super Black Eagle 3 or Super Black Eagle ll e iv ece R 20% OFF All Hunting Boots $100 10 Days Only! rcher y Dakota A rcHASe wiTH Pu Good thru Sept. 15th Affinity 3x12 Dog Dummy $11.99Scent Pheasant Training $200 $4.79 Dove Decoys Mojo Clip-On e e iv ece R $14.99 $50 $39.99 iv ece 4 pack R rch Mojo Voodoo Doveer y Dakota A rcHASe wiTH Pu rcher y Dakota A rcHASe wiTH Pu LOWEST PRICE OF THE SEASON! 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