$30 million headed to southern Illinois for rural broadband
SPRINGFIELD (FarmWeekNow) -- At least 121 farms, 145 businesses, 10 educational facilities and nearly 5,000 people across rural areas of three southern Illinois counties will soon have access to high-speed internet under nearly $30 million in federal grants awarded Aug. 21. The funding, allocated through the fourth round of USDA Rural Development’s ReConnect Program, is part of a larger $667 million in grants and loans for 37 projects in 22 states. Illinois’ share, which totals $28.669 million, will be split […]