Springtime Brings….Broadband

By Representative Daryl Deshotel (R-Avoyelles)

It’s almost springtime and for Louisiana that means crawfish boils, baseball and gardening, but this particular spring it means we will usher in the largest economic development opportunity in the history of our state: INCREASED INTERNET CONNECTIVITY.
This year we will begin to enjoy the harvest of groundbreaking legislative action found in the GUMBO grant program, a program that I authored which received bipartisan support within the legislature. This bipartisan legislation basically set the stage for a potential of nearly $300 million federal dollars to provide much needed internet connectivity to Louisiana families and businesses. Over 58 parishes throughout Louisiana applied to take part in the first round of grants totaling $90 million, and in just a few weeks the FIRST ROUND OF AWARDS WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
When I began to work on this fund, I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the people of Louisiana. While I recognized a limited window of opportunity, I am proud of how expedient, successful and transformative this program is proving to be. The GUMBO Fund will allow countless Louisianans to participate in the global economy while improving access to tele-healthcare, remote work and educational opportunities.
Local governments deserve due credit for recognizing the connectivity needs within the communities they represent and for seizing these grant opportunities. Local governments' decision to partner with private companies in applying for the GUMBO Fund will reap generational rewards. I am committed to working with the telecom industry, local governments and my colleagues to ensure every penny of this program is spent investing in broadband infrastructure that will improve the lives of our people and grow our economy. This is only the beginning of our work and we have a long way to go. I look forward to touring the state in the coming weeks as we carry the great news of a bright and modernized future for Louisiana.
To sign up to receive broadband updates go to www.daryldeshotel.com

Rep. Deshotel (from the Avoyelles Parish area) who authored the broadband legislation that passed last session. It’s huge for the state and is making broadband more accessible for local communities, like those in Acadiana.