https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.24749.html

The administrative office of Governor JB Pritzker announced a news release today awarding $250,000 in Broadband READY Grants. In this second round of Broadband READY grants, $50,000 grants were awarded to five organizations throughout the state.

Casey Peterson, BNEDC Business Retention & Expansion Manager, lead the application on behalf of our region in making this a reality for Bloomington-Normal. "The case for broadband access is immense and well-documented. We understand as a community that areas with fiber internet access are more likely to bolster new and existing businesses and residents alike."

"If these infrastructure investments are made in an equitable manner this first time, they have the ability to help level the access disparities seen throughout the state. While it is impossible to predict how the internet will be used in the future, it is clear that fiber internet will be its underpinning. At the BNEDC, we view this grant opportunity as an excellent opportunity to work alongside the Illinois Office of Broadband on creating the future of broadband in Central Illinois."