Gov. Whitmer announces initiatives to increase high-speed internet in Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) announced $12.7 million to increase broadband internet access across Michigan. The broadband projects were selected through the Connecting Michigan Communities (CMIC) grant program. The awards are estimated to generate between $15.7 and $23.1 million in annual economic benefits to consumers. These projects will extend access to over 10,900 households, businesses, and community anchor institutions (CAI) in Michigan. All projects have committed to closing the internet access divide and provide digital literacy training materials to residents and businesses in their proposed service area, and work with local CAIs and foundations to host events to promote e-learning, job, and workforce training. Recommendations for the second round of CMIC grant awards will be announced later, providing another $5.3 million towards further infrastructure expansion across the state. Gov. Whitmer signed a budget that included an additional $14.3 million in grant funding for a third round of projects in 2021. This announcement builds on the launch of the Connecting Michigan Taskforce (CMIT), with Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II helping to lead the efforts to strengthen and grow broadband infrastructure across Michigan. Approximately 1,243,339 Michigan households do not have a permanent fixed broadband connection at home.

(10/8/2020)