A South Dakota tribe has received a multi-million dollar grant to expand its high-speed internet infrastructure.
The Lower Brule tribe received $2.6 million from the Internet for All Initiative's Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. The money comes from the infrastructure law passed last year, according to a press release from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
In all, the project will connect roughly 455 homes with the high-speed internet connectivity, officials said.
“The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe is thankful to be receiving a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Award,” said Clyde Estes, Chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. “This award will provide the necessary resources and infrastructure for our Tribal Members to engage in remote education, and telemedicine, and allow our community to thrive in the evolving digital economy.”
The award is part of 18 new grants announced Thursday totaling more than $224 million to tribal entities.