Five Rural Broadband Grants Awarded in District 7

BRIAN BUCHANAN

Five rural broadband projects to improve service in Senate District 7 were recently awarded grant funding through second round of theNext Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon).

“Internet access has become a critical component of work and school for many Hoosiers. The need for quality internet service has been highlighted even more with COVID-19 and many more individuals working and learning from home. ” Buchanan said. “These grants are a great step in making sure everyone in District 7 is able to conduct businesses, complete homework assignments and more online.”

The following applicants in District 7 were awarded grants to provide broadband service in unserved:

  • Tipmont Rural Electric Membership Corporation – Clinton and Tippecanoe Counties
    This project will serve 150 unserved households, 12 farms/businesses and one anchor institution in Clinton and Tippecanoe Counties. The requested grant amount is $814,985, with a local match of $814,985, for a total project cost of more than $1.62 million.
  • Tipmont Rural Electric Membership Corporation – Clinton County
    This project will serve 163 unserved households and 34 farms/businesses in Clinton County. The requested grant amount is $1.16 million, with a local match of more than $1.16 million, for a total project cost of more than $2.33 million.
  • Tipmont Rural Electric Membership Corporation – Tippecanoe County

This project will serve 30 unserved households and three farms/businesses in Tippecanoe County. The requested grant amount is $546,303, with a local match of $546,303, for a total project cost of more than $1.09 million.

  • Tipmont Rural Electric Membership Corporation – Tippecanoe, Montgomery and Clinton Counties
    This project will serve 39 unserved households, four farms/businesses and three anchor institutions in Tippecanoe, Montgomery and Clinton Counties. The requested grant amount is $981,803, with a local match of $981,803 for a total project cost of more than $1.96 million.
  • Tipmont Rural Electric Membership Corporation – Tippecanoe and White Counties
    This project will serve nine unserved households, six farms/businesses and five anchor institutions in Tippecanoe and White Counties. The requested grant amount is $737,613, with a local match of $737,613, for a total project cost of more than $1.47 million.

Gov. Eric Holcomb recently announced $51 million for 50 broadband infrastructure expansion projects across the state as a part of the second round of theNext Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. The $100 million Next Level Broadband Grant Program is the largest single state investment in broadband. In total, rounds one and two of the program have awarded more than $79 million for broadband infrastructure for more than 21,900 homes and commercial locations in 41 counties.

For further information on the program, visit www.in.gov/ocra/3010.htm.