The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has announced $32.5 million in grants to improve broadband in rural areas across South Dakota.
The grants are part of the ConnectSD program, which aims to improve high-speed access for underserved households in the state.
Gov. Kristi Noem said the program is part of an investment into the state’s future.
“We are committed to connecting every corner of South Dakota with high-speed internet access, and this investment will allow us to overcome challenges that stand in the way of that mission,” Noem said in a press release sent Thursday.
The money is going to 13 projects across the state, connecting more than 3,100 homes and businesses to high-speed broadband, according to Noem's office.
Some of the areas targeted for projects include Stanley County and rural areas in southeast South Dakota and the Black Hills.
Officials say since 2019, the ConnectSD program has leveraged $58 million of state general funds along with $89 million of federal funds and $122 million of private investment from the broadband providers. This has connected more than 30,000 locations to high-speed internet.
Below is a list of projects and companies receiving grants
- Venture Vison – Stanley County, Rural Ft. Pierre, North West Lower Brule Reservation, $8,681,523
- Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. – South East of Leserville, Rural Utica, $1,768,976
- Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. – Rapid Valley, West New Underwood, Caputa, $5,216,655
- Leap Communications, LLC – Rural South of Lennox, $440,000
- Leap Communications, LLC – Rural Irene, Mayfield, $3,533,900
- Long Lines Broadband (dba, Jefferson Telephone Company, LLC) – Rural Elk Point (Going North East & West of I-29), $1,219,176
- Alliance Communications Cooperative, Inc. – Rural Beresford, Union Groves St. Pk, Nora SD (East & West of I-29), $5,148,021
- Hanson Communications Inc (dba, Mt. Rushmore Telephone Company) – Keystone-Hermosa Areas, $954,663
- Midco (Midcontinent Communications) – Ashland Heights, Sheridan Lake RD, Peaceful Pines, Ridgeview, Blackhawk, $2,675,151
- Midco (Midcontinent Communications) – Rural area west of the City of Yankton, $530,461
- SDN Communications – SF Public Safety Building/State Radio Location, $34,320
- Gallatin Wireless Internet LLC (dba, Celerity Internet) – South East of Spearfish, Eagle Ridge, Eagle Crest (South of I-90), $725,643
- Gallatin Wireless Internet LLC (dba, Celerity Internet) – North of Rapid City, Haines Ave, East of Piedmont, South from Elk Creek Rd, $1,533,288
