Rural broadband expansion

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Mike Harian from Washington County Rural Telephone Cooperative, Sen. Houchin, and Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Last week,Washington County Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. and Perry-Spencer Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. received more than $17.7 million as part of the first round of Next Level Connections grant funding for rural broadband expansion.

"I was pleased to join Gov. Eric Holcomb and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch for the announcement of a total of $22.1 million in awards statewide," said State Senator Erin Houchin (R-Salem). "Next Level Connections is a $100 million state investment and was made possible through a collaborative effort between the governor's office, my colleagues in the General Assembly and other stakeholders.

"Representing a rural district in Southern Indiana, I understand how critical high-speed internet access is to our families, businesses, farmers, and schools. That is why I have made it a priority to author and sponsor legislation to improve access to affordable and efficient broadband services in unserved areas each legislative session, including Senate Enrolled Act 460<https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bills/senate/460> this year, and House Enrolled Act 1065<https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bills/house/1065> in 2018. These bills laid the groundwork for our state's broadband grant program and its corresponding fund.

"We have made significant progress toward bridging the digital divide, and I look forward to continuing our efforts and seeing the positive impact this will have on Hoosier families."

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