The Governor’s Office of Economic Development will award $25 million for broadband expansion projects in 2023.
This money comes through applications for the ConnectSD grant program. The program partners with telecommunication companies to bring internet services to underserved South Dakotans, according to the governor’s office.
“Since Gov. Noem started the ConnectSD program in 2019, over 27,500 citizens are now enjoying high-speed internet," said GOED Commissioner Steve Westra. "The ConnectSD Broadband Program has invested $28 million in state funds to help create a broadband investment across our state of $221 million including other public and private funds. These funds will continue the momentum of Gov. Noem’s priority of broadband expansion across our state.”
Applications for 2023 will be available soon. ConnectSD is primarily focusing on serving the Black Hills region, especially north and south of I-90 from Rapid City to Spearfish, and the southeast corner of the state near rural Yankton and Vermillion.
ConnectSD will also hold a web seminar to explain details of the application process and answer other questions. Details about the seminar can be found by signing up for the ConnectSD newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.com/connectsd.
