SIOUX CENTER, IA – August 18, 2020 – Premier Communications was recently awarded a federally funded grant made possible by the CARES Act and the State of Iowa. On August 21, 2020, the Office of the Chief Information Officer of the State of Iowa, with authority given by Governor Kim Reynolds, awarded $3,883,250 to Premier Communications through Iowa’s Broadband Grants Program-Empower Rural Iowa, Emergency Broadband Expansion Program. The federal funding was made available to communications service providers in order to improve broadband access for Iowans in underserved service areas across the state.
Premier Communications applied for the federal funding and was awarded $3,883,250 to bring fiber optics to approximately 105 sq. miles of rural area surrounding George, IA and 55 sq. miles of rural area surrounding Orange City, IA. Combined, these areas include approximately 700 locations. The total cost of the projects is projected to be $7,766,500 with funding awards accounting for approximately 50% of the cost of the projects.
“We are fortunate that this funding was made available,” comments Doug Boone, CEO of Premier Communications. “Governor Reynolds understands the needs of rural Iowans and the increased necessity of broadband for telehealth, telemedicine, telework and distance learning. She has been a fantastic advocate for rural broadband expansion, with a focus on Looking Ahead to Iowans needs not just of today, but tomorrow. This funding will truly help improve and expand broadband connectivity in the rural areas of these communities.”
This project was supported by federal funds made available through the CARES Act and State of Iowa, acting by and through the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). Points of view expressed herein are those of Premier Communications and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the United States Government or State of Iowa or endorsement of the project.