WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), has announced a new allocation of $12.7 million in federal funding to improve access to high-speed, affordable internet in Louisiana. The funding, granted through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is part of the broader broadband initiatives funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
“Every small business, student, and worker in our state deserves access to high-speed internet,” Cassidy said. “This broadband investment from the Infrastructure Law will attract new investment and boost our economy.”
A Push for Expanded Access
The $12.7 million allocation is part of a larger effort to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas. Louisiana was previously awarded over $1.35 billion in broadband funding under the IIJA’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This historic investment aims to deliver high-speed internet to rural areas, schools, businesses, and community organizations across the state.
GUMBO 2.0, the state’s broadband expansion program, is expected to connect 100,000 homes, including 60,000 in rural parishes, and 35,000 businesses. The program also targets 4,000 community anchor institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies.
Economic Impact
The broadband expansion is projected to create between 8,000 and 10,000 new jobs, boost Louisiana’s GDP by $1.3 billion, and generate an estimated $2 to $3 billion in new revenue for local businesses.
Broadband Formula and Future Growth
Cassidy played a key role in ensuring that Louisiana received a significant share of the federal broadband funding, advocating for a formula that prioritized areas with limited internet access. As a result, Louisiana received funding levels far above its population share, highlighting the state’s critical need for improved connectivity.
This funding underscores the state’s commitment to economic growth through digital infrastructure, ensuring that communities across Louisiana can fully participate in the modern economy.
For more information on the GUMBO 2.0 program and broadband initiatives, visit gumbo.la.gov.