U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced a $997,000 grant to expand internet access in five counties.
“This will lay the groundwork to increasing internet access in eight rural communities,” said Fewins. “We are creating the blueprint for more opportunity, better education and all the benefits that come from high-speed internet access.”
The Merit Network, Inc. is receiving $997,000 to develop a connectivity and digital equity strategy to promote the expansion of high-speed internet in eight communities:
- Wolf Lake Township in Muskegon County,
- Lake Township and Houghton Lake in Roscommon County,
- Arlington Township, the City of Hartford and Covert Township in Van Buren County,
- Goodar Township in Ogemaw County, and
- Robin-Glen Indiantown in Saginaw County.
The funds are available through the Broadband Technical Assistance Program. USDA is providing $9.7 million to help 24 organizations deliver or receive technical assistance to expand high-speed internet access for people in rural and Tribal communities across 17 states. This funding will also develop and expand broadband cooperatives in rural areas.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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