A grant program aimed at filling the gaps in internet broadband access in Missouri will be extended following the passage of a bill at the end of the session.
Senators passed the bill unanimously, while only three members voted against its passage in the House.
The bill extends the state’s broadband grant program through 2027, but also allows the state to switch federal money from one provider to another if the latter is unable to move forward with a project.
The passage of HB 1768 followed the recent announcement by Gov. Mike Parson that 16 broadband projects will receive more than $3 million under the state's grant program.
In a news release by the governor's office, more than 4,400 Missouri homes, businesses and farms will, it is planned, receive access to high-speed internet.
Nearly 600,000 rural Missourians lack access to high-speed internet. The broadband grant was established by the legislature in 2018, and is a joint effort between the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Agriculture, according to the governor's office. The program matches up to 50 percent of eligible expenses.
“The COVID-19 outbreak has emphasized the importance of strong connectivity for our families, businesses and communities, especially in rural Missouri,” Missouri Department of Agriculture Chris Chinn said in a statement.
"The demand on our digital infrastructure is unprecedented right now. We need every last mile connected to high-speed internet – all the way to the farm gate – for our rural students, workforce and entrepreneurs.”
“Broadband internet has become an essential resource that’s needed to run a business, complete schoolwork and communicate. But today far too many families and businesses lack access to this resource,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.
“Broadband access is vital for Missouri’s economic growth. House Bill 1768 will help ignite economic and workforce development throughout the state and we thank Rep. Louis Riggs for his efforts on this legislation.”