*Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

August 11, 2020

*Emergency Broadband Investment Program Recipients Announced*

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) *Today, Governor Mike Parson announced 16 broadband projects from eight broadband providers will receive more than $3 million through the states Emergency Broadband Investment Program and connect almost 2,000 Missouri households.

Expanding broadband is essential to our states infrastructure, *Governor Parson* said. Connecting more Missourians with high-speed internet will allow them to utilize digital platforms for education, health, and business that are so critical during this time.

In July, six programs were created within the nearly $50 million Rapid Broadband Deployment Initiative which uses the states CARES Act funding. The Emergency Broadband Investment Program has been allocated up to $20 million, and todays announcement highlights the first round of recipients.

The program was designed to reimburse providers that have expanded, or plan to connect, high-speed internet to residents in unserved or underserved areas in the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers will utilize funds to assist with construction costs for new broadband expansion to households with students or vulnerable populations.

Access to high-speed internet is absolutely necessary to families and communities during this time, *Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon* said. Connecting more citizens with quality internet means the individual on telework status will keep their job, a student participating in distance learning will continue to get their education, or a household in need of telehealth services will get the care they need.

To view the list of recipients, please see attachment.

To learn more about the Emergency Broadband Investment Program, click here. [ [link removed] ]

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* Broadband Investment Program Recipients.pdf [ [link removed] ]
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*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work: 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson PO Box 720 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]