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Press Release

South Dakota Broadband Development Program Applications Due May 29, 2020

May 5, 2020

South Dakota Broadband Development Program Applications Due May 29, 2020

PIERRE, S.D. – In 2019, South Dakota legislators approved $5 million in matching funds for broadband improvement, creating Governor Kristi Noem’s Connect South Dakota program. By the end of the year, combined with federal dollars, $25 million had been invested in underserved areas, touching 6,500 homes and almost 150 businesses.

Now, a year later, legislators approved another $5 million to continue broadband upgrades in South Dakota. Steve Westra, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced today that a Request for Application for the $5 million grant money is available on sdreadytopartner.com.

“During these unprecedented times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, reliable broadband connection has never been more necessary than it is today,” Westra said. “From telehealth to homeschooling and teleworking, quality, dependable broadband internet keeps us connected even though we’re apart. Although social distancing will only be temporary, staying connected to our friends, loved ones and business associates will be forever, and Connect South Dakota can help make that happen.”

The deadline to apply is 4:00 p.m. CDT on Friday, May 29, 2020, and the awards will be announced on or before Friday, June 19. Applicants can submit to:

South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Attn: Mary Lehecka Nelson, Deputy Commissioner

711 E Wells Ave

Pierre, SD 57501

Funding is strictly for capital expenditures of building out the network. Providers may submit multiple applications for consideration. Providers may also submit projects with multiple phases, but the initial phase must be capable of standing on its own. All applicants must be capable of providing service to consumers by June 30, 2021.

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