Officials hear St. Mary broadband projects are moving ahead

Last week, Cajun Broadband, a Louisiana-based internet service provider, along with representatives from the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, and parish presidents and police jurors from St. Mary and Assumption parishes, hosted two kick-off meetings for new broadband projects part of the Granting Underserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities program. 

The projects are being implemented through use of GUMBO grant funding, which was awarded to the parishes and Cajun Broadband in 2022 and allows internet service providers and municipalities to partner together to obtain available grant funding for build out of fiber infrastructure in previously underserved communities.

The project in St. Mary Parish will bring nearly 40,000 feet of high-speed fiber-to-the-home connectivity for almost 450 homes in the parish, specifically in the Irish Bend and Sorrel areas. In nearby Assumption Parish, 28,000 feet of fiber will be installed serving 270 homes along La. 70 Spur.

During the kickoff meetings, local community stakeholders and elected officials expressed interest in assisting residents in need of better broadband service.

Attendees were informed of current project plans and invited to participate in a question-and-answer session with parish leadership, Cajun Broadband, and representatives from ConnectLA. 

“We are eager to continue working with Connect LA and local governments to close the digital divide in Louisiana and we will continue to seek grant funding for build out in areas of the state where the need is high”, said Cajun Broadband Managing Director Chris Disher.

“Our partnership with local parish leaders is critical to expanding this service and improving opportunities and the quality of life for residents in Louisiana.”

In December 2022, three months after breaking ground, Cajun Broadband completed the state’s first GUMBO project in St. Martin Parish. With offices in Morgan City, Disher, a St. Mary Parish native, says the company will continue to expand access to high-speed internet throughout South Louisiana.