November 19, 2020 – State Senator Andy Manar has announced the availability of three programs aimed to improve access to internet services Downstate. Manar, the chair of the Senate Appropriations II Committee, also serves as the lead budget negotiator for the Illinois Senate Democrats and has been working towards modernizations of high-speed internet in downstate communities.
“High-speed internet access is going to play a monumental role in the role of the recovery of the Downstate economy, and that’s why I insisted we fund these programs in the state budget,” Manar said. “Closing the broadband gap has never been more critical.”
After today’s announcement, applications for two funding opportunities are open. The first is called Broadband READY Grants and will direct $250,0000 to regional entities in order to increase broadband access, adoption, and utilization in underserved areas. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to identify current digital inequities and also to work with the community and economic development organizations, education, and local leaders to pave the road for the way forward. The deadline for submissions will be December 23, 2020. The second is known as Illinois Connected Communities Grants. This will invest $150,000 in local governments that are looking to expand broadband in their communities. It will allow communities to apply for up to $15,000 in grants that will support community-based broadband planning and capacity building. The deadline for these submissions will be January 25, 2021.
More information on the grants is available on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.
