ALLEGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Allegan County’s state representatives have come out in favor of a measure to improve rural broadband coverage in the county.
123Net is the county’s partner concerning implementing broadband in rural areas of Allegan. Representatives Matt Hall, Joey Andrews, Nancy DeBoer, Angela Rigas, and Rachelle Smit all signed a letter in approval of the company’s application for a 30 million dollar grant from the state’s Realizing Opportunities with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) fund.
The money would provide most of the third part of financing for the project to provide high-speed access to county residents.
Board of Commissioners’ Chair, Jim Storey said, “The County is grateful for the united support from all of our state representatives in Lansing for this transformational project. They recognized the importance of broadband access to the future of our county.”
County Administrator, Rob Sarro states, “The 123Net proposal, in conjunction with the County’s partnership agreement, embodies the need for rural broadband development and the intent of “rural” broadband funding. The County and 123Net were prepared for this opportunity and are hopeful maximum ROBIN funding will be awarded to this project.”
The County pledged $17.7 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and 123Net matched it with $17.7 million of its own funds.
The application will now be reviewed by the state’s Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) with a preliminary decision expected in late April.
After a 45-day challenge period, MIHI plans to announce final awards in July. If awarded to 123Net, the installation of the fiber optic cable in Allegan County is expected to start this year.
The total project cost is expected to reach $70 million.
