State grants help expand internet access to more St. Joseph County residents, businesses

STATEHOUSE (April 26, 2022) – Fast and reliable internet is coming to more homes and businesses in St. Joseph County thanks to over $5.4 million in state broadband grants, according to local legislators.

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 directly impacts many aspects of our lives," said State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger). "For example, we are seeing more Indiana residents turn to telehealth services for scheduling appointments and convenience relating to health issues."

State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) 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.

"Internet accessibility not only impacts our daily lives, but it also plays a huge role in our local economy," Teshka said. "Business owners rely on dependable internet in order to tap into the online marketplace, making it as easy as possible for consumers to shop."

Two upcoming projects will help expand broadband in St. Joseph 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.
  
  
• Surf Broadband Solutions: This project will expand broadband access to 953 households across LaPorte, St. Joseph and Starke counties. The requested grant amount is $4,467,648, with a local match of $2,007,203, for a total project cost of $6,474,851.

"This broadband expansion is vital for Indiana's rural communities that have struggled with receiving internet," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "Improved internet connection will help Hoosiers to not only communicate with loved ones, but also increase access to services and resources."

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. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portion of St. Joseph County.
Click  here to download a high-resolution photo.
 
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.