$405 Million in Internet Funding Heading to Nebraska Rural Areas

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

In today’s digital world, connecting to the web is not even a second thought for many.

But across the state, The Institute of Education Services, says over 30,000 Nebraskans ages 5-19 years old don’t have broadband internet at home.

For Elm Creek Village Administrator this became quite apparent for his community during those pandemic days.

“Covid I think showed us a lot. It definitely showed us a lack of connectivity when a lot of students when we're home," said Dusty Newton.

Now, help to connect online is on the way.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer announced Monday that $405 million dollars in broadband funding will be heading to Nebraska communities. The money is part of funds set aside from the Biden-harris Administration high-speed internet grant program.

“For far too long, our state has lacked the broadband infrastructure communities need to unlock new economic opportunities and access critical services. This once-in-a-generation investment will do much to close the digital divide and provide more Nebraskans with the connectivity they deserve. I am pleased to see my work on the infrastructure law continue to deliver real results for our great state,” said Fischer.

Dusty says small communities like Elm Creek would benefit greatly.

“Connectivity is crucial to everything we do you know if the internet is down we can’t really function and I think this is a benefit to rural Nebraska too," said Newton.

Source: nebraska.tv