(Indianapolis, IN) - Today, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Broadband Office announced that La Porte County is now designated as an official Broadband Ready Community.

 

The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created to encourage broadband development throughout Indiana.

 

The Broadband Ready Community certification signals to the telecommunication industry that a community has taken steps to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment. 

 

“Congratulations to the La Porte County Board of Commissioners on this significant milestone and for taking the steps to prioritize broadband investment. This past year proved great success for the Broadband Ready Community Program and we anticipate another great year in 2022,” Crouch said.

The Indiana Broadband Office approved the certification following the La Porte County Commissioners adoption of a Broadband Ready Community ordinance.

 

"This designation sends a clear message about La Porte County's focus on addressing this complex issue which affects quality of life and our growth potential," said Sheila Matias, President of the La Porte County Board of Commissioners, "Our volunteers on the La Porte County Rural Broadband Task Force are all pulling in the same direction and have contributed countless hours to move our community's broadband analysis forward."

 

La Porte County is the first Broadband Ready Community certified in 2022, according to Earnie Holtrey, Project Manager at the Indiana Broadband Office.
 

Tony Rodriguez, Director of the La Porte County Office of Economic and Community Development, said an estimated $130 million in private investment for extending broadband access throughout the county over the next several years is anticipated from the designation.

He said the incentive for private investors includes an easy and less time-consuming process to obtain building permits and other requirements for extending high-speed internet access.