(The Center Square) – Nevada officials are taking steps to provide reliable and fast Internet to areas with inadequate access.

Gov. Joe Lombardo and his Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT) announced the allocation of $250 million towards infrastructure needed for the creation of the Nevada Middle Mile Network.

“By addressing these critical gaps, we are ensuring that all Nevadans have the opportunity to benefit from reliable and fast internet service,” said the governor in a press release.

OSIT Director Brian Mitchell said Nevada requires “significant investments” in infrastructure to support projects.

“This project is a big step towards meeting our goals,” Mitchell added.

The Nevada Middle Mile Network is 2,500 miles long and involves a fiber optic network. Money allocated today will go towards construction costs. Officials envision everything from K-12 schools, libraries and government facilities benefiting. Eventually, the Middle Mile Network will expand network capacity between urban and remote areas, “enhancing the capacity of last-mile networks” to deliver quality Internet access to the unserved or underserved.

According to OSIT’s estimates, more than 40,000 residential locations will have improved Internet access because of this project.

“Over the next four years, over $900 million will be dedicated to broadband infrastructure and digital equity and adoption initiatives,” said the governor’s office.

OSIT has published an online map showing the network routes and rate cards for each route.