Jennifer Gonzalez
Public Information Officer, Kewaunee County
Office: (920) 388-0567
Email: gonzalez.jennifer@kewauneeco.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2020
Kewaunee County Receives $960,000 Broadband Expansion Grant
KEWAUNEE, WI – The latest round of broadband expansion grants issued by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is a game-changer for Kewaunee County.
The County has just been awarded its full request of $960,000 to increase its high-speed internet access with the assistance of Bug Tussel Wireless in Green Bay.
Kewaunee County will use the grant funds as part of a $2.3 million project to improve broadband across the County, starting with the townships of Carlton, Casco, Franklin, Red River and West Kewaunee by building seven towers.
The expansion will service 199 businesses and 12,115 residential locations within its total footprint, as antennas will also reach Mishicot in Manitowoc County.
"This is the first step towards better accessibility for Kewaunee County. Next, we will work on locating and acquiring sites for the towers,” said Scott Feldt, Kewaunee County Administrator. “I want to thank everyone who sent in the nearly 150 letters and emails supporting the PSC grant application. I am convinced that this show of support was critical in Kewaunee County receiving the full amount it requested."
The start of the broadband initiative by Kewaunee County dates back to 2016, when it became known that federal and state grant opportunities were becoming available.
“The Kewaunee County Board and administration acted to pursue at least partial funding of the project to improve service to citizens, businesses and students,” said Robert Weidner, Kewaunee County Board Chairman. “The grant that has been awarded to Kewaunee County makes it possible to improve service, share costs, and preserve limited county assets. The current health crisis demonstrates how important it is to have the option for students and others to be able to work from home.”
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