Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has announced that Louisiana will receive $12,727,887.98 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to enhance access to high-speed affordable internet. This funding is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

"Every small business, student, and worker in our state deserves access to high-speed internet," said Dr. Cassidy. "This broadband investment from the Infrastructure Law will attract new investment and boost our economy."

The IIJA includes a broadband formula designed by Cassidy to address Louisiana's specific needs, ensuring funds are directed to areas lacking high-speed internet access.

Louisiana has been awarded a total of $1,355,554,552.94 for broadband development under the IIJA's BEAD program, which was allocated $42.45 billion overall. Despite having about 1.3% of the U.S. population, Louisiana received significantly more funding than expected.

In August, Cassidy and Governor Jeff Landry launched the GUMBO 2.0 broadband program with a $1.35 billion investment secured through the IIJA. The initiative aims to extend broadband services to 100,000 homes—including 60,000 in rural parishes—35,000 businesses, and 4,000 community institutions like schools and hospitals.

GUMBO 2.0 is projected to create between 8,000 and 10,000 jobs while increasing Louisiana's GDP by $1.3 billion and generating $2 to $3 billion in new revenue for local companies.