High-Speed Internet Expansion in Louisiana Backed by Federal Funding: Bridging the Digital Divide
As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s ‘Investing in America’ initiative, Louisiana is set to receive over $1.3 billion for high-speed Internet access, a significant step towards closing the digital gap.
“What this announcement means for people across the country is that if you don’t have access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet service now – you will, thanks to President Biden and his commitment to investing in America,”
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program’s Influence in Louisiana
Louisiana’s allocation comes from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. With $1,355,554,552.94 dedicated to Louisiana, the state can administer local grant programs, creating potential for job growth and long-term economic development.
Fueling Louisiana’s Digital Leap and Economic Advancement
This funding is expected to enhance participation in the digital economy, spur local fiber-optic cable production, and catalyze job growth in the Internet infrastructure sector.
High-Speed Internet: An Essential in Louisiana
“High-speed Internet is a necessity in today’s society,” stated Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. This sizable investment from the Biden-Harris administration reflects their commitment to ensuring Internet access for all Louisiana residents.
Louisiana’s BEAD Funding Allocation
Louisiana will receive $1,355,554,552.94 from the BEAD program. This substantial funding will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks, ensuring reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet services for every Louisianian.
Looking Forward: Spurring Economic and Social Development in Louisiana
Aligned with the principles of long-termism, this investment is forecast to drive economic and social progression in Louisiana for the foreseeable future. Beyond immediate returns, the initiative paves the way for a brighter, more digitally connected future for the Pelican State.
State allocations and funding details
In total $42.45 billion in funds will be allocated to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories.
A detailed list of funding allocations for each state, D.C., and the territories can be found on InternetForAll.Gov.
Here’s how it breaks down:
| State/Territory | Allocation Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,401,221,901.77 |
| Alaska | $1,017,139,672.42 |
| Arizona | $993,112,231.37 |
| Arkansas | $1,024,303,993.86 |
| California | $1,864,136,508.93 |
| Colorado | $826,522,650.41 |
| Connecticut | $144,180,792.71 |
| Delaware | $107,748,384.66 |
| District of Columbia | $100,694,786.93 |
| Florida | $1,169,947,392.70 |
| Georgia | $1,307,214,371.30 |
| Hawaii | $149,484,493.57 |
| Idaho | $583,256,249.88 |
| Illinois | $1,040,420,751.50 |
| Indiana | $868,109,929.79 |
| Iowa | $415,331,313.00 |
| Kansas | $451,725,998.15 |
| Kentucky | $1,086,172,536.86 |
| Louisiana | $1,355,554,552.94 |
| Maine | $271,977,723.07 |
| Maryland | $267,738,400.71 |
| Massachusetts | $147,422,464.39 |
| Michigan | $1,559,362,479.29 |
| Minnesota | $651,839,368.20 |
| Mississippi | $1,203,561,563.05 |
| Missouri | $1,736,302,708.39 |
| Montana | $628,973,798.59 |
| Nebraska | $405,281,070.41 |
| Nevada | $416,666,229.74 |
| New Hampshire | $196,560,278.97 |
| New Jersey | $263,689,548.65 |
| New Mexico | $675,372,311.86 |
| New York | $664,618,251.49 |
| North Carolina | $1,532,999,481.15 |
| North Dakota | $130,162,815.12 |
| Ohio | $793,688,107.63 |
| Oklahoma | $797,435,691.25 |
| Oregon | $688,914,932.17 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,161,778,272.41 |
| Rhode Island | $108,718,820.75 |
| South Carolina | $551,535,983.05 |
| South Dakota | $207,227,523.92 |
| Tennessee | $813,319,680.22 |
| Texas | $3,312,616,455.45 |
| Utah | $317,399,741.54 |
| Vermont | $228,913,019.08 |
| Virginia | $1,481,489,572.87 |
| Washington | $1,227,742,066.30 |
| West Virginia | $1,210,800,969.85 |
| Wisconsin | $1,055,823,573.71 |
| Wyoming | $347,877,921.27 |
| American Samoa | $37,564,827.53 |
| Guam | $156,831,733.59 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $80,796,709.02 |
| Puerto Rico | $334,614,151.70 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | $27,103,240.86 |
