Lee County, Illinois, commits $1.7 million for broadband partnership

The Lee County (IL) Board is earmarking $1.7 million toward a massive, multi-county project to expand broadband in rural areas. Ogle County (IL) has spearheaded a Broadband for All initiative that’s a public-private partnership to improve broadband access in counties including Ogle and Lee. The partnership is with Syndeo Networks, and the group is applying for a $28 million “Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program” grant through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Lee County’s contribution would be about $1.7 million for more than $11 million in improvements, and Ogle’s is about $2 million for $13 million in work. Lee County Board Chairman Bob Olson said the amount will come from county capital funds, and board member Jim Schielein said it’s an investment for the county’s economic future.