Uprise Fiber Awarded USDA Grant to Build Fiber Network in Pershing County
Reno-based independent fiber internet service provider (ISP), Uprise Fiber has been awarded a $27.1 million grant through the federal ReConnect Loan and Grant Program from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant will be used to build a Fiber-to-the-Premise network in Pershing County and Uprise is committing an additional $9 million in matching funds, bringing the total project funding to $36.1 million. Over the next five years, Uprise Fiber will construct and install a 10Gbps-capable fiber network in Lovelock and the surrounding areas increasing average internet speeds from 6.7mbps up to symmetrical Gigabit speeds.
Nevadaworks Hosts Re-Opening of EmployNV Job Center
Formerly the American Job Center, Nevadaworks re-opened the EmployNV Business and Career Hubs in northern Nevada. The organization provides employers in the region with skilled workers to support the economic needs of the area. The rebranded hubs are designed to serve as a central location for job seekers looking for employment, training and skill development and for employers looking for a skilled workforce. The hubs are run in partnership with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation and Nevadaworks was recently granted $14.9 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration.
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youths Awarded $1.35 Million in Federal Grants
The Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) was awarded two federal grants totaling $1.35 million. NPHY is a comprehensive service provider in southern Nevada for youth experiencing homelessness. The organization helps to meet immediate needs and provide a safe, supportive environment and path to self-sufficiency. Both grants were awarded from the US Department of Health and Human Services with $750,000 coming from a Transitional Living Program grant and $600,000 from a Basic Center Program grant.
Mandalay Bay Remodels Convention Center
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino has announced the $100 million remodel of its 2.1 million square foot convention center. The remodel will include new ethernet cable to increase data speed up to 9,400 percent. In addition, the resort is adding digital walls for brand placements and targeted event messaging, RFID locks on meeting room doors and over 200 motion detection cameras.
U.S. Treasury Approves up to $112.9 million for Nevada SSBCI
Nevada’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) has been approved for up to $112.9 million from the United State Treasury. The SSBCI helps small business access capital to invest in job-creating opportunities. The program will receive an initial funding of $35 million. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) oversees SSBCI and will operate a total of five programs with the funds, designed to support job creation.
Living Grace Homes Receives Grant to Assist Women
Living Grace Homes, a nonprofit organization in Clark County that provides a safe haven for pregnant and homeless women between the ages of 14 to 24 years old has received a Maternity Group Housing grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The $749,997 grant will fund Living Grace Homes and allows the organization to expand their services. Established in 2007, Living Grace Homes is organized to set young women up for future success by offering support in obtaining life and parenting skills, education, employment and housing.
Las Vegas Home Prices Hold Steady
After a three-month slide, Las Vegas area home prices hold steady according to housing statistics from Las Vegas Realtors’ ® September report. The median price of existing single-family homes sold in southern Nevada is $450,000, down from the all-time record high of $482,000. The median home price is still up 10.7 percent from $406,500 of one year ago. In addition, at the end of September, the association reported 8,121 single-family homes listed without any offer, up 134.5 percent from the same time last year.
University of Nevada, Reno Launches New Agricultural Minor
The University of Nevada, Reno has launched an agricultural communication minor to help students effectively understand and communicate about issues related to agriculture, biotechnology, natural resources and environmental science. The program will complement existing courses and provide a minor degree for students interested in careers in the agricultural and environmental science communication industry. The minor is offered thorough the College of Agricultural, Biotechnology and Natural Resources.
CCSD Launches Study on Equity in Contracting
The Clark County School District (CCSD) has launched a study to ensure equity of opportunity for small, minority and women-owned businesses in bidding for construction projects, products, services and supplies. The district contracted with Keen Independent Research, a national economic consulting firm, for the study which will be completed by spring 2023. The study, approved by the school board, is anticipated to cost nearly $300,000 to complete.
