Louisiana has become the first state in the nation to receive federal approval for its $1.355 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment plan. Gov. Jeff Landry announced the milestone on Monday. He highlighted the plan’s potential to connect over 140,000 locations to high-speed internet.
The plan is also expected to drive significant economic growth across all 64 parishes. “This generational investment will create thousands of jobs, drive billions in economic growth, and transform communities statewide,” said Gov. Landry in a news release.
“I applaud the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity for their tireless work to ensure that every Louisianian has access to the best digital opportunities our state can offer.”
With federal approval secured, Louisiana will quickly move into implementation, according to ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar. “This marks a turning point for our state,” he explained, noting that construction could begin within 100 days. The plan is expected to create an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 jobs.
It is also projected to generate $2 to $3 billion in new revenue for Louisiana-based companies.
Louisiana broadband milestone approved
Nearly 70% of the broadband funding will be awarded to local providers.
In addition to expanding broadband access, the program will allocate over $500 million to other initiatives. These will target education, workforce development, healthcare, agriculture, and economic development. The efforts aim to maximize the impact of broadband access for residents and businesses alike.
The Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was originally passed in 2021. It is a key aspect of President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Despite nationwide delays in the rollout of the $42 billion BEAD program, Louisiana was able to navigate federal requirements and secure approval in December.
The state focused on the urgency of the investment. It emphasized the transformative potential of reliable internet access for rural and underserved communities. Gov. Landry noted the broader implications of this investment.
He stressed that it would not only provide high-speed internet but also catalyze job creation and economic development across the state.
