By Indiana House Republicans Press Office—
STATEHOUSE – Fast and reliable internet is coming to more homes and businesses in Delaware County thanks to over $669,000 in state broadband grant funding, according to local lawmakers.
Indiana recently awarded a total of $189 million for 154 broadband projects around the state as part of the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. In total, more than 52,900 homes and businesses across 80 counties will benefit from the program supported and funded by the state legislature.
“Internet access is becoming more and more necessary in order for businesses to stay competitive,” said State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). “Small-business owners, especially in our rural communities, will see a great benefit from getting connected to reliable internet.”
State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) said in addition to the $189 million awarded, 35 telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributed more than $239 million in matching funds, resulting in more than $429 million being invested.” As employees and students worked and learned from home, we realized how absolutely necessary high-speed internet access is to Hoosiers,” Rowray said. “These grants help bring us one step closer to ensuring more people across the state can benefit from broadband.”
An upcoming project through Comcast will help expand broadband to 677 households and 45 businesses or organizations across Delaware County. The requested grant is $669,890, with a local match of $2,009,671, for a total project cost of $2,679,561.
“We know medical resources like telehealth are critical for vulnerable Hoosiers in every community, but lack of reliable internet service hinders access for these individuals,” said State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion). “These grants can get high-speed internet to those who may need it the most.”
The Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program provides funding of up to $5 million per project to expand broadband service to unserved areas. To be eligible for funding, applicants must also contribute at least a 20% match.
For more information about these projects and grants, visit in.gov/ocra.
