BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana has become the first state to receive federal approval of its final proposal to deploy $1.355 billion in Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment funding, clearing the way for the expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure across all parishes.
The approval advances the state’s GUMBO 2.0 program, designed to extend reliable broadband service and support long-term growth in workforce development, education, health care and technology-driven industries.
“This is a generational investment that places Louisiana at the forefront of America’s tech transformation,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “By focusing on efficiency and accountability, Louisiana is leading the way in deploying infrastructure, creating jobs and preparing our country to win the future.”
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said Louisiana’s approach demonstrates effective cost controls, technology diversity and collaboration with private providers. “We can’t wait to see shovels in the ground and every Louisianan finally connected,” Roth said.
“With this approval, we can shift from planning to putting shovels in the ground in the next several weeks,” said Veneeth Iyengar, executive director of ConnectLA. He said the plan is structured to deliver measurable benefits for families, schools and small businesses.
Louisiana’s proposal outlines plans to connect about 130,000 unserved and underserved locations, partner with 14 internet service providers and direct nearly 70 percent of awards to Louisiana-based companies. The initiative is projected to support 8,000 to 10,000 new jobs and generate between $2 billion and $3 billion in revenue for businesses in the state.