By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Rural broadband will take a big step after receiving funding from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Gov. Mike Parson announced today that $261 million has been awarded to 60 recipients for projects to expand and improve Internet access across Missouri, including three major northwest Missouri projects.
United Services has been awarded $8.2-million to provide broadband service to Andrew, Buchanan, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth Counties. Green Hills Telephone Corporation has been awarded $6.2-million for Caldwell County. Mid-State Services has been awarded $6.2-million for Daviess County.
“We’re proud to announce the recipients of the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, which represents a major step forward in strengthening Missouri’s internet connectivity,” Governor Parson said in a news release. “Our goal with American Rescue Plan Act funds is to make investments that have a lasting, positive impact for Missourians statewide."
"Today, we have accomplished that for broadband expansion, which is vital to supporting education, health care, business, and agriculture in today’s economy.”
“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work and careful consideration the Office of Broadband Development team contributed to the success of this grant program,” said BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development in the news release. “We truly believe these investments will be transformational for broadband expansion in Missouri."
"As we continue striving for a fully-connected future, we look forward to this program’s results and appreciate the stakeholder support that helped make it possible.”