Louisiana is undertaking the largest broadband expansion in state history with the help of $1.355 billion in Federal funding.
The funding will be administrated through the GUMBO 2.0 program, which will support expanding broadband access to 140,000 locations, including 100,000 homes, 35,000 businesses, and 4,000 community anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies.
“Today, we are one step closer to eliminating the digital divide in our state,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “GUMBO 2.0 will play a direct role in expanding access to health care, growing our state’s small businesses, providing opportunities in the education field, and integrating technology into our agricultural sector.”
“When we win in broadband, our citizens win, our communities win, and our economy wins,” the governor said. “I am eager to see this program in action, and I look forward to the economic impacts it will have on our state for generations to come.”
The governor’s office said GUMBO 2.0 will create eight to ten thousand new jobs, and drive a $1.3 billion increase in gross domestic product, and $2-3 billion in new revenues for Louisiana companies.
“In an increasingly connected world, access to the internet is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity,” said Rep. Troy Carter Sr., D-La. “Louisiana’s GUMBO program is a commitment to ensure no community is left behind in the digital age. It is building a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone. Today, we are leveling the playing field to guarantee that geography does not determine one’s access to information and essential services.”
Funding for the program comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will be administered by the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity.
“As a result of today’s announcement and under the leadership of Governor Landry, the infrastructure challenges relating to the digital divide will be eliminated in Louisiana over the next couple of years,” said Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of the state’s Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity.
“The impacts will be immeasurable as every day Louisianans from the four corners of the state and in between will soon have an asset that will significantly impact their daily lives, whether in healthcare, education, in our ability to drive economic development wins and increase the labor force participation rate,” Iyengar said.
