(WWJ) -- Washtenaw County is receiving a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to expand high-speed internet in support of small businesses, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday.
The grant, made possible through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will go to the non-profit Ann Arbor SPARK to help the county construct 20 miles of underground fiber optic cable in the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
The grant will be matched by $600,000 in local funds, and officials expect the funds will create 67 new jobs and generate $35.6 million in private investment.
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The project is aiming to attract and retain high-tech businesses in the area, specifically in the growing mobility sector, something Whitmer says will help the area’s small businesses.
“Investing in high-speed internet broadband will provide countless opportunities for our small businesses to grow, and get Michigan back to work,” Whitmer said in a press release. “Access to high-speed internet is essential for businesses to thrive, and this investment will create jobs and grow Michigan’s economy. I am grateful to President Biden and Secretary Raimondo for their dedication to Michigan workers.”
This project is funded under the CARES Act, which provided the EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance is providing a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as the country continues to emerge from the pandemic.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said Thursday’s announcement marks “another important step toward providing more Michiganders access to high-speed internet,” something that has become essential in the day and age of remote work, thanks to the pandemic.
“This past year has highlighted how essential Internet access is in daily life. As more of our daily functions transition online, this investment will make a real difference in people’s lives by increasing access to an essential service and strengthening our connections with each other.”
Officials have not provided details about exactly where the underground fiber optic cables will be placed, or when the construction will begin.