NEWS RELEASE                                             

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 5, 2023
CONTACT: Sarah Ebeling, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605-773-GOED (4633)

Broadband expansion funding announced

PIERRE, SD – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) today announced plans to award $25 million for broadband expansion projects in 2023. 

This round of applications for the ConnectSD broadband grant program will continue Governor Kristi Noem’s commitment to securing high-speed broadband for all South Dakotans.

Grant applications for 2023 will be available soon. Primarily, ConnectSD is looking to partner with providers to help connect locations in the Black Hills region, including north and south of I-90 from Rapid City to Spearfish or south of Sioux Falls in the southeast corner of the state in the rural Yankton/Vermillion area. All providers capable of connecting citizens in these areas are encouraged to apply.

“Since Governor Noem started the ConnectSD program in 2019, over 27,500 citizens are now enjoying high speed Internet.  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, said GOED Commissioner Steve Westra. “These funds will continue the momentum of Governor Noem’s priority of broadband expansion across our state.”

The ConnectSD program enables public/private partnerships with telecommunication companies to bring broadband to unserved and underserved South Dakotans. The program will reimburse successful applicants up to their maximum awarded amount, with reimbursements based on actual receipts and costs incurred.

For locations to be awarded, internet providers can view the South Dakota Public Broadband map at https://sdbit.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ccd16c24bf804c1fa67d50373d100464.  An informational grant award webinar will be held soon to explain details of the application process and answer any specific questions.  To be notified of the time of the webinar and keep informed of the ConnectSD program please sign up to the ConnectSD newsletter at: https://www.subscribepage.com/connectsd

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