This EDA investment supports sumter county with conducting a broadband feasibility study that assesses and identifies expansion opportunities for broadband access along an industrial corridor in the…

The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $125,000 under the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program (CFDA 11.307) to Sumter County Board of County Commissioners on March 8, 2022. The Project Grant funding will support Sumter County in conducting a broadband feasibility study to assess and identify expansion opportunities for broadband access along an industrial corridor in northeast Sumter County, Florida. Specifically, the study will focus on three industrial parks totaling 418 acres and will involve research, data collection, and collaboration between public and private sectors to evaluate the existing broadband infrastructure and identify innovative ways to enhance infrastructure to attract high-skilled, high-wage employers. Completing the broadband feasibility study is expected to strengthen and diversify the regional economy and advance economic resiliency throughout the area.

This EDA investment supports sumter county with conducting a broadband feasibility study that assesses and identifies expansion opportunities for broadband access along an industrial corridor in the northeast part of the county. The study will focus on three industrial parks totaling about 418 acres of industrial-zoned land and will require research and data collection as well as collaboration between public and private sectors to assess the current state of the area's existing broadband infrastructure, identifying innovative ways to enhance the infrastructure to attract high-skilled, high-wage employers. Once completed, the project will help strengthen and diversify the regional economy and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.