Jordan: State grants help expand internet access to more Marshall County residents, businesses

STATEHOUSE – Fast and reliable internet is coming to more homes and businesses in Marshall County thanks to over $5.9 million in state broadband grants, according to State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-bremen).

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.

"Fast and dependable internet is a vital resource for our Hoosier communities large and small," Jordan said. "These grants are great examples of how the public and private sectors can come together to extend service to those in underserved and unserved areas. Increasing connectivity is also an essential part of maintaining a competitive advantage whether you're a business owner or student learner."

Jordan 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.

Six upcoming projects will help expand broadband in Marshall County:

• Comcast: This project will expand broadband access to 923 households and 429 businesses or organizations across Marshall and Starke counties. The requested grant amount is $918,283, with a local match of $4,373,712, for a total project cost of $5,291,995.

• Marshall County Fiber: This project will expand broadband access to 161 households and 86 businesses or organizations across Fulton, Marshall, Pulaski and Starke counties. The requested grant amount is $138,033, with a local match of $638,912, for a total project cost of $776,945.

• Marshall County Fiber: This project will expand broadband access to 608 households and 147 businesses or organizations in Marshall and Starke counties. The requested grant amount is $613,188, with a local match of $1,323,712, for a total project cost of $1,936,901.

• Marshall County Fiber: This project will expand broadband access to 354 households and 37 businesses or organizations in Marshall County. The requested grant amount is $253,483, with a local match of $571,226, for a total project cost of $824,710.

• RTC Communications: This project will expand broadband access to 280 households and 179 businesses or organizations in Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and Tippecanoe counties. The requested grant amount is $1,800,651, with a local match of $771,707, for a total project cost of $2,572,359.

• RTC Communications: This project will expand broadband access to 348 households and 324 businesses or organizations in Fulton, Kosciusko and Marshall counties. The requested grant amount is $2,269,145, with a local match of $1,512,763, for a total project cost of $3,781,909.

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.