FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kyra Helming, Press Secretary
Kyra.Helming@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2022) — Rural broadband projects in Senate District 44 will receive a total of $11,816,775.70 to improve broadband connectivity through the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford).
Created with support from the General Assembly, the Next Level Broadband Grant Program is the largest single state investment in broadband. In total, rounds one, two and three of the program have awarded $268 million for broadband infrastructure for more than 74,800 homes and commercial locations. When combined with private and local investment, over $580 million has been leveraged since 2018. Projects will have been completed in 83 of Indiana’s 92 counties through the three rounds of the awards.
In Senate District 44, the following providers were awarded grants:
• AT&T
AT&T received two grants to expand broadband access to 445 households and 29 businesses in Bartholomew, Johnson, Lawrence and Owen counties.
• Comcast
Comcast received a grant to expand broadband access to 543 households and 138 businesses in Bartholomew County.
• Jackson County REMC
Jackson County REMC received a grant to expand broadband access to 882 households and 46 businesses in Brown, Jackson, Jennings, Lawrence and Washington counties.
• Mainstream Fiber Network
Mainstream Fiber Network received two grants to expand broadband access to 221 households and 18 businesses in Bartholomew County.
• Miles Communications
Miles Communications received a grant to expand broadband access to 140 households and 33 businesses in Bartholomew County.
• Orange County REMC
Orange County REMC received a grant to expand broadband access to 291 households and 130 businesses in Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Pike counties.
"As chair of the Senate Committee on Utilities, I understand how important it is to have reliable and efficient broadband access, and I strive to make sure rural broadband access improves each year," Koch said. "It's encouraging to see the high level of funding awarded through these grants to do just that. I look forward to seeing these providers expand our broadband access locally."
This third round of funding will provide broadband infrastructure to more than 52,900 homes and commercial locations in 80 counties.
In addition, the 35 telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributed more than $239 million in matching funds, resulting in more than $429 million in total investments for broadband in the third round.
The program allows broadband service providers and utility cooperatives to apply for up to $5 million to expand service to unserved or underserved areas if they provide at least a 20% match.
A full list of the awards can be found here.
Sen. Koch, chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, serves Senate District 44, which includes all or parts of Bartholomew, Brown, Jackson, Lawrence and Monroe counties.
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Click here for a high-resolution photo of Koch.
