Some rural Saginaw County residents could see improved internet access

BUENA VISTA TWP, MI — Residents in rural Saginaw County and other parts of the state could see improved internet access thanks to a nearly $1 million grant.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins announced the $997,000 grant to expand internet access in Saginaw County’s Robin Glen-Indiantown and several other communities across four other Michigan counties, according to a USDA news release.

The Merit Network Inc. is receiving the funds to develop a connectivity and digital equity strategy to promote the expansion of high-speed internet in select rural communities in Saginaw, Muskegon, Roscommon, Van Buren and Ogemaw counties.

“This will lay the groundwork to increasing internet access in eight rural communities,” Fewins said in a statement. “We are creating the blueprint for more opportunity, better education and all the benefits that come from high-speed internet access.”

The funds are available through the Broadband Technical Assistance Program. USDA is providing $9.7 million to help 24 organizations deliver or receive technical assistance to expand high-speed internet access for people in rural and Tribal communities across 17 states. This funding will also develop and expand broadband cooperatives in rural areas, the release states.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care, and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.

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