DENVER (CBS4) – Rural schools, hospitals and libraries in Colorado will soon be better connected thanks to a statewide broadband project unveiled Monday.

The Colorado EAGLE‑Net Alliance will cost $130 million, with federal grant money picking up most.

The 4,600 mile fiber-optic network will connect small towns to the Internet.

Four years ago Colorado ranked 42nd in the nation for broadband access. The new network should change that.

“The EAGLE‑Net effort provides us with an opportunity to improve education, to improve health care, improve emergency services,” an official said at the news conference. “In short, to really improve every aspect of our communities.”

Parts of the network are already running.

The project is scheduled to be finished by August of 2013.