Northern Lakes Economic Alliance • 231-582-6482 • info@northernlakes.net
Buck Love, Business Retention & Growth
If this is what your home computer still looks like or feels like while waiting to connect to the internet in rural northern Michigan, you are not alone, and you are not forgotten! A July 9th, 2019 press release from the office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an open application period to award $20 million in grants to expand internet access in under served areas of Michigan. Whitmer stated that access to high-speed internet is a must for every Michigan community, “Everyone should be able to fully explore their passions and talents, no matter where they live, and not be held back by a lack of infrastructure,” said Whitmer.
Applications are now open for the Connecting Michigan Communities program, which will let Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) providing “last mile” services apply for up to $5 million per grant to provide broadband internet to areas with few or no affordable options for the service. Follow the link for application information.
The grant is being managed by the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, and prospective applicants have until August 30, 2019 to apply. Follow this link to view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for the Connecting Michigan Communities Grant.
