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

STATEHOUSE (April 26, 2022) – Fast and reliable internet is coming to more homes and businesses in Wayne County thanks to over $3.6 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.

State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) 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.

"Access to reliable, high-speed internet is critical for schools, businesses and working Hoosiers," Barrett said. "I look forward to seeing these investments help more Wayne County residents get connected."

Three upcoming projects will help expand broadband in Wayne County:

• Comcast: This project will expand broadband access to 623 households and 25 businesses or organizations across Wayne and Hendricks counties. The requested grant amount is $721,006, with a local match of $2,163,018, for a total project cost of $2,884,024.
  
  
• New Lisbon Broadband: This project will expand broadband access to five households in Wayne County. The requested grant amount is $6,465, with a local match of $7,016, for a total project cost of $13,481. 

• Spectrum Mid-America: This project will expand broadband access to 98 households and eight businesses or organizations in Wayne County. The requested grant amount is $620,938, with a local match of $159,000, for a total project cost of $779,938.

"These wise investments will help Indiana reap the benefits of being more connected," said State Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville). "It's a matter of making sure no one is left behind in this digital age."

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.

-30-

State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) represents House District 54,
which includes Henry County and portions of Rush and Wayne counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.