Governor Jeff Landy is holding a press conference today to announce the launch of Gumbo 2.0. Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel, who has been instrumental in improving broadband access around the state, says the program will allow for the distribution of $1.35 billion in funding to support broadband access throughout the state.
“Louisiana has the number one broadband program in the country. It’s a really good time for Louisiana and I’m extremely proud that Louisiana is number one in a good positive way.”
Funding for GUMB0 2.0 came from the Infrastructure Act and received the eighth-largest amount of money out of any state. Deshotel credits that to the success of GUMBO 1.0…
“About 20 other states copied our legislation to create our program but we’re ahead.”
Deshotel says that this funding will bring internet connectivity to every home and business across Louisiana and create jobs for rural communities.
“We are pretty confident that we will have enough money to close the digital divide.”
Landry will be joined by Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham, Veneeth Iyengar, Legislators, and representatives from Senator Cassidy and Congressman Carter’s office.
