Belt, Crowe highlight rural broadband grant opportunities

                                                            Round 2 applications now being accepted by DCEO

MARYVILLE – To mend digital inequities in rural areas of the Metro East region, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are urging local organizations to apply for a portion of $50 million in available funding through the second round of the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program.

“High-speed internet is one of the most important resources for households and businesses, especially in our current climate,” Belt said. “To ensure that no child, family or business is left behind, I encourage eligible applicants in the Metro East area to apply for the Connect Illinois program.”

The second round of Connect Illinois grants will award up to $5 million per project. At least 50 percent of total project expenses must be provided as nonstate match, be it from private, local or other nonstate sources, to accelerate the delivery of broadband investments. Internet service providers, rural cooperatives, nonprofits and local governments are eligible to apply.

“To ensure small businesses are able to compete and residents are able to connect at work and school, access to reliable, high-speed internet is critical,” Crowe said. “Communities must have the resources to support local digital demands, and applying for this grant is a simple way to expand broadband opportunities to those living in rural and underserved areas.”

Funding for the Connect Illinois program is made possible through Rebuild Illinois, the state’s historic, bipartisan $45 billion statewide construction program, which has dedicated $420 million to expanding broadband infrastructure.

The application will remain open through February 2021. The application and more information on this grant program can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

Belt, Crowe recommend Getting Around Illinois for updates on winter road conditions

MARYVILLE – With winter weather fast approaching, State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) recommend bookmarking the Illinois Department of Transportation’s GettingAroundIllinois.com website for continually updated information on road conditions. 

“We all know how dangerous roads can become in the wintertime,” Belt said. “During snowy or icy conditions, Getting Around Illinois is a great tool for determining whether your trip out is safe.”

Read more: Belt, Crowe recommend Getting Around Illinois for updates on winter road conditions

Belt, Crowe highlight rural broadband grant opportunities

                                                    Round 2 applications now being accepted by DCEO

MARYVILLE – To mend digital inequities in rural areas of the Metro East region, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are urging local organizations to apply for a portion of $50 million in available funding through the second round of the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program.

“High-speed internet is one of the most important resources for households and businesses, especially in our current climate,” Belt said. “To ensure that no child, family or business is left behind, I encourage eligible applicants in the Metro East area to apply for the Connect Illinois program.”

Read more: Belt, Crowe highlight rural broadband grant opportunities

Belt brings awareness to new mortgage and student loan assistance program

EAST. ST. LOUIS – As low-income families still face disproportionately high barriers to homeownership, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is spreading the word about the new SmartBuy mortgage and student loan assistance program.  

“For low-income families, homeownership is critical for creating a stable environment in which to raise a family,” Belt said. “Providing families with the tools to become homeowners and repay student loan debt is substantial. This is an opportunity that shouldn’t be left on the table, and I urge prospective homeowners to apply for this assistance program.”

Read more: Belt brings awareness to new mortgage and student loan assistance program