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Raatz: Senate District 27 awarded broadband funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jesse Cordray, Press Secretary
Jesse.Cordray@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498

Raatz: Senate District 27 awarded broadband funding

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 9, 2020) — Three rural broadband projects to improve internet service in Senate District 27 were recently awarded funding through the second round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond).

"I am eager to see the positive impact these grants will have on communities across our district," Raatz said. "The current pandemic further proves the reality that rural communities across Indiana do not have adequate access to internet and there is a growing divide between urban/suburban communities and rural communities. As chair of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development, I will continue to advocate for better broadband access for our schools and our communities."

The following broadband companies serving SD 27 received funding in the latest announcement:

  • SEI Communications received $439,560, with a local commitment of $226,440 for a project that will serve five households, one business and three anchor stations in Dearborn County.

  • In a partnership with Southeastern Indiana REMC, SEI Communications received more than $3.21 million, with a local commitment of more than $4.83 million for a project that will serve 447 households, 58 businesses and 55 anchor stations in Dearborn, Franklin and Ripley counties.

  • In a partnership with Southeastern Indiana REMC, SEI Communications received more than $4.34 million, with a local commitment of more than $6.51 million for a project that will serve 522 households, 27 businesses and eight anchor institutions in Jennings and Switzerland counties, and small portions of Dearborn, Ohio and Jefferson counties.

In 2019, the Indiana General Assembly appropriated $100 million to the governor's Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program – the largest single state investment in the nation. Since August of 2019, the state has invested $79 million, with projects in SD 27 receiving more than $7 million.

For further information on the program, click here.

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