Illinois announces $50 million in broadband expansion grants

Twenty-eight projects in Illinois will receive a total of $50 million for broadband expansion. The state Connect Illinois grants will be matched by $65 million in nonstate funding for a total of $115 million, with plans to expand access for more than 26,000 homes, businesses, farms, and community institutions across Illinois. These funds are being released as part of the state's $420 million statewide broadband expansion, Connect Illinois—the governor’s plan to bring basic access to all communities by 2024. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said Connect Illinois aims to improve access through an unprecedented capital investment and with the nation’s largest grant matching program.