(Indianapolis, IN) – Decatur County REMC is the recipient of $23,950 in grant funds from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to expand broadband access.
A total of $628,906 was awarded in the 14th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program, with 142 addresses in 27 counties to gain access to high-speed broadband.
Grant funds will help bring reliable broadband access to five addresses in Decatur County REMC’s service area, which includes parts of Ripley, Jennings Rush and Bartholomew counties and all of Decatur County.
The Indiana Connectivity Program helps Hoosier residents and business owners, often in rural areas, obtain access to reliable broadband by assisting internet providers with the expense of extending its services to unserved and underserved locations of Indiana.
“Reliable high-speed internet helps our kids do homework, allows families see their doctors online, and gives small businesses the boost they need,” Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith said. “These state grants and matching funds from our providers allow us to give additional access to homes and businesses across 27 counties. This brings opportunity and growth right to every Hoosier’s doorstep.”
Of the 142 addresses funded in the Indiana Connectivity Program’s 14th round, 136 are households and six are businesses.
Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching $1,424,490 for a total investment of $2,053,369.
To find a list of providers granted funding, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.
“The Indiana Connectivity Program continues to pave the way for underserved homes to gain access to reliable broadband,” OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn said. “Where some families and business-owners are forced to consider relocating to a better served area, these Hoosiers will have the ability to stay in their homes or businesses thanks to this program.”
The program accepts addresses on a rolling basis. Hoosiers and business owners lacking internet connectivity can communicate their interest by entering their address and information into the Next Level Connections portal at in.gov/ocra/broadband. Submitting location information into the portal does not guarantee extension of service.
Broadband providers must complete their projects within nine months of the contract date.
Visit in.gov/ocra/broadband for more information.
