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Polk County took another important step with a second internet provider to further its goal of increasing broadband coverage in the county.

 

Polk County commissioners voted unanimously on March 21 to proceed with a partnership with Kinetic by Windstream that would allow the company to apply for grant funds to deploy broadband internet to 700 addresses in the county. 

 

Sarah Hardin, vice president of government affairs for Kinetic, explained to commissioners how the company will apply for funds from the state’s Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology Grant Program (GREAT). A formal resolution or partnership between the company and a government entity helps the company score higher in its application for the funds. 

 

Kinetic has already secured federal funds for 180 locations in the county using the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program, made possible by the American Rescue Plan.

 

Polk County would provide Kinetic $50,000 in partnership money to help secure the GREAT grant. 

 

On March 7, the county agreed to partner with Charter Communications in their GREAT grant application process to reach 3,500 addresses.