$19.5 million are being invested in high-speed internet for Chippewa and Mackinac counties through a Michigan USDA Rural Development program.
The investment to Alpha Enterprises Limited would support just over one thousand people, nineteen businesses, and ten farms.
The funding is through the ReConnect program, which started in 2018, said state USDA Director Brandon Fewins. Applications are structured to prioritize grants or loans that go towards rural Michigan first.
“Your zip code shouldn’t be a determining factor on whether or not you have service," he said. "It’s rural development’s goal to bridge that digital divide and providing better coverage is just as important as other types of infrastructure.”
Some rural areas do have internet access, but Fewins said the focus is on getting them the speed necessary to do remote learning and telehealth.
"Coming out of the heels of the pandemic, it really highlighted a weak infrastructure pinch point for us," he said. "Everyday people are excited that hey, their opportunity for access is becoming easier to gain."
The biggest barrier has been generating awareness for the program, Fewins said. More rounds of funding are expected, he said.
The USDA has invested $1.7 billion in high-speed internet for Michigan since 2018.