The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to seeking the expansion of broadband internet. At a Thursday meeting, the board approved a resolution to offer up to $4.5 million in federal ARPA funds as support for internet service providers that seek state ROBIN grants to expand high-speed internet. Commissioner Teri Freehling said the county’s broadband committee met this week with five ISPs looking for support.
“We were able to have those conversations, answer some questions, know that we do have seriousness from the ISPs in submitting a grant, one of which is so serious that they’re looking at large coverage for Berrien County in their grant application,” Freehling said. “I wouldn’t say that it’s countywide, but it is substantial.”
Commissioner Rayonte Bell said Thursday’s resolution would combine ARPA funds with funds coming from local governments and ISPs to make ROBIN applications more attractive. The ROBIN program was included in the state’s Building Michigan Together Plan, setting aside $250 million to expand high-speed internet. The deadline for ISPs to apply for ROBIN grants is in March. County Administrator Brian Dissette said the county is trying to provide as much assistance as possible to those companies.
