Wabash Communications Co-Operative has announced it has been awarded a $23,197,592 grant through the Connect Illinois Program to expand broadband access in underserved rural areas.
The investment will allow Wabash Communications to embark on four transformative projects. Two of the projects include portions of Marion County. One encompasses the towns of Kinmundy, Herrick and St. Peter. The other includes Lake Centralia, an eastern portion of Clay County and a small part of western Richland County.
Other projects include an area just east of Fairfield in Wayne County and a large section of Southwest Wayne County.
Construction on the four projects is slated to begin in late 3rd quarter of this year.
Wabash Communications reports each project will enhance connectivity for residents, businesses and community institutions in the impacted areas.
The Connect Illinois Program, spearheaded by the State of Illinois, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring access to high-speed internet across the state.
The CEO/GM of Wabash Communications Barry Adair says these projects will not only bridge the digital divide but also unleash new opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development in rural Illinois.
For more information about the expansion projects, you may visit wabash.net. Residents and businesses interested in signing up can visit the website or call 618-665-33-11.
