May: State grants help expand internet access to more local residents, businesses

STATEHOUSE (April 27, 2022) – Fast and reliable internet is coming to more homes and businesses in Brown and Lawrence counties thanks to over $5 million in state broadband grants, according to State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford).

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.

"Many of our local communities have struggled to develop infrastructure to increase broadband access that is vital to rural Indiana's future," May said. "I look forward to seeing these state and local dollars expand internet access where it's needed most."

May 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.

Three upcoming projects will help expand broadband in Brown and Lawrence counties:

• AT&T: This project will expand broadband access to 286 households and 23 businesses or organizations across Lawrence County. The requested grant amount is $1,297,444, with a local match of $324,361, for a total project cost of $1,621,806.
  
  
• Jackson County REMC: This project will expand broadband access to 882 households and 46 businesses or organizations across Brown, Jackson, Jennings, Lawrence and Washington counties. The requested grant amount is $2,397,683, with a local match of $2,567,870, for a total project cost of $4,965,553.
  
  
• Orange County REMC: This project will expand broadband access to 291 households and 130 businesses or organizations in Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Pike counties. The requested grant amount is $1,337,344, with a local match of $5,212,792, for a total project cost of $6,550,137.

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 the projects and grants, visit in.gov/ocra. 

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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of
Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.