(Des Moines)– A number of local internet providers have been awarded funding for broadband projects through the “Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grants Program”. More than $210 million was awarded to 160 applicants.
Locally, more than $16.4 million was awarded to Evertek in Everly for fiber broadband projects in the Early, Hartley, May City, Melvin, Paullina, Primghar and Sioux Rapids areas. Estherville Communications received a little more than $4.51 million for expansion projects in rural Emmet county. About $8.35 million is going to Great Lakes Communication Corporation for broadband projects in the Lake Park, Spencer and Spirit Lake areas; and Milford Communications is getting about $3.56 million for similar projects in its service area.
State officials say the funding will bring more than $526 million of new broadband infrastructure investment to Iowa, serving more than 39,000 homes, schools and businesses. To date, the program has awarded funding resulting in more than $880 million in new broadband investment, reaching about 115,000 homes, schools and businesses upon completion of grant-funded projects.
