Bringing high-speed internet service to rural areas represents a major priority for communities across the country and in Louisiana. That’s because connecting people and businesses to the internet creates otherwise unattainable economic opportunities. And in that regard, on Monday Louisiana Governor Jeff Landy announced the launch of Gumbo 2.0. That stands for the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Access Program.
Ahead of the announcement, Marksville State Representative Daryl Deshotel explained that the program will allow for the distribution of more than $1.35 billion to bring high-speed internet to rural areas. “Louisiana has the number one broadband plan in the country. It’s a really good time for Louisiana and I’m extremely proud that Louisiana is number one in a good positive way.”
Funding for GUMB0 2.0 came from the Federal Infrastructure Act, approved by Congress in 2021.Deshotel says Louisiana led the way in the launch of GUMBO 1.0. “About 20 other states copied our legislation to create their program. But we’re ahead.” Deshotel says that this funding will bring internet connectivity to every home and business across Louisiana and create jobs for rural communities.
As Louisiana Public Radio and the Louisiana Radio Network (LRN) report, during the launch announcement of Gumbo 2.0, Gov. Landry described the program as the country's largest infrastructure investment aimed at expanding internet access. He said it is projected to create at least 8,000 new jobs and increase Louisiana’s GDP by at least $1.3 billion. “This is the best foundational opportunity that Louisiana has to move to creating great jobs, to improving our education, to helping our law enforcement officers be safer, more wiser, quicker.”
Louisiana becomes the first state fully approved for federal funding in broadband expansion. That’s according to the Louisiana Office of Broadband and Connectivity. Before the grant money goes out, the state needs to process 33 contract bids from Internet Service Providers.
