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

STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2022) – Fast and reliable internet is coming to more homes and businesses in Morgan County thanks to over $1.4 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.

"A reliable internet connection has proven to be invaluable for Hoosiers, especially over the last few years," said State Rep. Peggy Mayfield, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "From work and school to telehealth and even connecting with loved ones, internet service has become more like other essential utilities. That's why I'm excited to see so many projects come to our area."

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), also a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, 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.

"Increasing broadband access to unserved and underserved areas is a top priority," Baird said. "These expansions will help position Indiana for continued economic growth."

Five upcoming projects will help expand broadband in Morgan County:

• AT&T: This project will expand broadband access to 286 households and 31 businesses or organizations across Morgan County. The requested grant amount is $483,021, with a local match of $483,021, for a total project cost of $966,043. 

• Comcast: This project will expand broadband access to 105 households and one business or organization across Morgan County. The requested grant amount is $25,444, with a local match of $483,429, for a total project cost of $508,873. 

• Comcast: This project will expand broadband access to 108 households and two businesses or organizations in Morgan County. Comcast received no grant, with a local match of $636,251, for a total project cost of $636,251.
  
  
• Comcast: This project will expand broadband access to 1,070 households and 108 businesses or organizations in Morgan County. The requested grant amount is $818,413 with a local match of $2,455,239, for a total project cost of $3,273,653. 

• Johnson County REMC: This project will expand broadband access to 29 households and nine businesses or organizations in Morgan County. The requested grant amount is $73,775, with a local match of $77,634, for a total project cost of $151,409.

"Indiana continues to strategically invest in broadband for our rural communities," said State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin). "All Hoosiers need dependable internet access for educational, economic and communication purposes."

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. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44, which includes
all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.