Gov. DeSantis approves grant to improve broadband access

Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Bowling Green regarding the latest expansion of the Broadband Opportunity Program.

The location of the meeting was held at South Florida State College Hardee Campus at 10 a.m., on Friday. The meeting was held with along Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.

DeSantis awarded $233 million to expand broadband internet access to rural communities.

The money will help support 54 projects in 33 counties for broadband internet expansion.

$135 million will be allocated through the Broadband Opportunity Program and $86 million in federal funds through the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program.

The expansion will provide over 27,000 residential, agricultural and commercial locations with internet access in unserved and rural communities.

“Connecting Florida’s small and rural communities to broadband internet will help them find jobs, access education resources and expand their businesses,” said DeSantis. “We will continue to make investments in broadband internet that support long-term growth for our communities, without federally imposed strings attached.”

For more information on Florida’s broadband initiatives, visit the Office of Broadband’s webpage.