Expanded broadband internet is hopefully coming soon to underserved and currently unserved areas of Van Buren and Allegan counties. It’s been a top priority of some state lawmakers like Representative Beth Griffin for years, but the US Department of Agriculture is now getting involved. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue says the ReConnect Pilot Program will result in $10.7 million in a loan/grant combination for the extension of broadband service to 7,700 residents over 100 square miles. Perdue says it also will include extending the availability to 22 farms and 19 businesses. He says the need for rural broadband has “never been more apparent than it is now, as our nation manages the coronavirus national emergency.” Perdue added access to telehealth services, remote learning for students, and remote business operations all require broadband access. A release from the USDA did not give a timeline as to when the access will be expanded.
