Northwest Wisconsin Gets Funding for Digital Connectivity Projects

Northwest Wisconsin organizations have received funding through the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program for improved internet access.

According to a press release from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, nearly $28 million has been awarded through the Public Service Commission to fund 11 projects across the state. The projects aim to improve internet connectivity with increased access to devices and technology.

Officials expect the funded projects will connect over 50,000 households with loaned devices and provide free Wi-Fi access for over 33,000 households. Among the recipients of the funding are Bayfield County, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Chippewa Valley, and Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board Inc.

According to the press release, Bayfield County received about $1.2 million to provide MDU Wi-Fi and devices in the area. 240 devices will be distributed to six libraries and 182 county and city housing authority apartments.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Chippewa Valley will receive about $350,000 to support 500 students and families in the region with fully subsidized computing devices, remote digital navigation, and technical support.

Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board Inc will receive about $723,000 to distribute devices across Douglas, Iron, Burnett, Sawyer, Washburn and Ashland Counties. The distribution will target under-connected, underserved, and low-income households.

Funding for the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program was provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. In the press release, Governor Evers said “Having access to reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity for how we do work, how we learn, how we see our doctors, how we stay connected to our communities, and I am proud that no administration in state history has done more to expand access to high-speed internet than we have.”