The federal government is making another pot of broadband expansion grants available to communities across the United States, and Berrien County leaders are looking at how they can ensure some of the money comes to southwest Michigan. Speaking at a Thursday meeting of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Teri Freehling said $250 million in ROBIN grants will soon be available with applications being accepted now.
“The way that the legislation is written, it is for the ISPs, or the internet service providers, to submit that application and looking for community support,” Freehling said. “So, that would be from the county. If we wish to draft a formal resolution reiterating our support for broadband for the whole county and connectivity, that would be something that would be coming to this board.”
Freehling said the application window closes on March 14. The county’s broadband committee, BC Bit, has scheduled a special meeting for February 21 for members to hear directly from ISPs about their broadband plans in the area. She said they’ll present maps of their proposals so BC Bit can bring a recommendation back to the full county commission.
