South Dakota’s push to expand broadband internet access across the state has come to a halt following the sudden loss of a $5 million federal infrastructure grant, according to KELO-TV. The funding, provided through the BEAD Program, was intended to support the state’s “Digital Opportunity” initiative, aimed at improving internet access for rural, low-income, aging, and tribal communities.
The now-revoked $5.01 million grant would have funded critical infrastructure like fiber-optic networks and 5G towers, helping underserved populations gain better access to public services, online resources, and digital literacy programs.
“The primary goal of this funding was to make state services more accessible and transparent, especially for those often left behind in the digital age,” said Rep. Erik Muckey (D), a member of the Joint Committee on Appropriations. “It was also meant to boost digital literacy, helping people fully engage with modern technology.”
Rep. Muckey criticized the move as politically motivated. “This crusade to eliminate any funding associated with the word ‘equity,’ even when it has nothing to do with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, is absurd,” he said. “It’s about basic infrastructure for rural communities and tribal nations.”
With the federal funding now gone, Muckey told KELO-TV that South Dakota is unlikely to find alternative sources to continue its broadband expansion, effectively stalling efforts to close the state’s digital divide.
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