NFU Statement: Salazar to Lead Interior Department — 12|18|08
Friday, January 16, 2009
Utilities
Rural electric and telephone cooperatives not only help American agriculture increase its productive capacity, but also generate demand for goods and services, which spurs production and employment across the country.
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has provided the means for meeting the needs of these vital services and their hard work should continue, and in no way be privatized.
Telecomm
Rural areas have traditionally been outside the sphere of access to information, educational and entertainment programs offered in urban centers over off-the-air and cable television; having adequate access is increasingly more important to the quality of life in these rural communities.
Enhanced 911 emergency service, cellular reception, and high-speed broadband internet access is just as important in rural America as in its urban counterparts. 
