State grants help expand internet access to more Clinton County residents, businesses

STATEHOUSE (April 28, 2022) – Fast and reliable internet is coming to more homes and businesses in Clinton County thanks to over $8.9 million in state broadband grants, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

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.

"For homes and businesses, having access to a quality internet connection is essential," Lehe said. "Hoosiers need to be able to work on their day-to-day activities without interruptions. Thanks to these grants, many rural communities without broadband access will get connected to this critical resource."

VanNatter 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.

"Rural communities like ours have struggled to develop the infrastructure needed to provide high-speed broadband to residents," VanNatter said. "Grants like these put state and local dollars to work to expand internet access in unserved areas."

Four upcoming projects will help expand broadband in Clinton County:

• AT&T: This project will expand broadband access to 608 households and 117 businesses or organizations across Clinton, Grant, Hendricks, Miami and St. Joseph counties. The requested grant amount is $985,162, with a local match of $985,162, for a total project cost of $1,970,325.
  
  
• Mulberry Telecommunications: This project will expand broadband access to 106 households and 45 businesses or organizations across Carroll and Clinton counties. The requested grant amount is $1,759,545, with a local match of $1,759,545, for a total project cost of $3,519,090.
  
  
• Swayzee Telephone Company: This project will expand broadband access to 177 households and 81 businesses or organizations across Clinton County. The requested grant amount is $1,981,843, with a local match of $495,460, for a total project cost of $2,477,304.
  
  
• Swayzee Telephone Company: This project will expand broadband access to 233 households and 86 business or organization in Boone and Clinton counties. The requested grant amount is $4,259,430, with a local match of $1,064,857, for a total project cost of $5,324,287.

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. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) represents House District 25, which
includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.