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

STATEHOUSE (May 5, 2022) – Fast and reliable internet is coming to more homes and businesses in Fulton County thanks to over $17 million in state broadband grants, 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.

"Fast and dependable internet is a vital resource for our Hoosier communities large and small," said State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen). "These grants are great examples of how the public and private sectors can come together to extend service to those in underserved and unserved areas. Increasing connectivity is also an essential part of maintaining a competitive advantage whether you're a business owner or student learner."

State Rep. Douglas Gutwein (R-Francesville) 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.

"Having the ability to connect to the internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity," Gutwein said. "We must continue to ensure broadband access is available to more Hoosiers, especially in our rural communities. I believe all these upcoming projects move us toward that goal."

Eight upcoming projects will help expand broadband in Fulton County: 

• Kosciusko Connect: This project will expand broadband access to 1,159 households and 132 businesses or organizations across Fulton, Kosciusko, Wabash and Whitley counties. The requested grant amount is $2,055,779, with a local match of $2,055,779, for a total project cost of $4,111,558. 

• Marshall County Fiber: This project will expand broadband access to 161 households and 86 businesses or organizations across Fulton, Marshall, Pulaski and Starke counties. The requested grant amount is $138,033, with a local match of $638,912, for a total project cost of $776,945. 

• RTC Communications: This project will expand broadband access to 280 households and 179 businesses or organizations in Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and Tippecanoe counties. The requested grant amount is $1,800,651, with a local match of $771,707, for a total project cost of $2,572,359. 

• RTC Communications: This project will expand broadband access to 348 households and 324 businesses or organizations in Fulton, Kosciusko and Marshall counties. The requested grant amount is $2,269,145, with a local match of $1,512,763, for a total project cost of $3,781,909. 

• RTC Communications: This project will expand broadband access to 839 households and 176 businesses or organizations in Cass, Fulton and Miami counties. The requested grant amount is $2,690,372, with a local match of $1,793,581, for a total project cost of $4,483,953. 

• RTC Communications: This project will expand broadband access to 810 households and 362 businesses or organizations in Cass and Fulton counties. The requested grant amount is $4,077,006, with a local match of $2,718,004, for a total project cost of $6,795,011. 

• RTC Communications: This project will expand broadband access to 601 households and 176 businesses or organizations in Fulton and Pulaski counties. The requested grant amount is $2,239,088, with a local match of $1,492,725, for a total project cost of $3,731,814. 

• RTC Communications: This project will expand broadband access to 281 households and 93 businesses or organizations in Fulton and Pulaski counties. The requested grant amount is $1,776,258, with a local match of $472,573, for a total project cost of $2,248,832. 

"Expanding broadband in rural communities not only connects Hoosiers, but can also help create jobs, encourage agricultural advancements, and increase access to high-quality education and telemedicine," said State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport), vice chair of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee. “It's encouraging to see these partnerships continue to expand this service to those who need it the most, and I look forward to exploring more broadband opportunities in the future.”

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. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) represents House District 17,
which includes all of Marshall County and a portion of Fulton County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Douglas Gutwein (R-Francesville) represents House District 16, which
includes all of Pulaski County and portions of Fulton, Jasper, Newton and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.