Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch joined Pulaski County leaders May25 to celebrate the county's Broadband Ready and Smart Rural Cities designations.

The task force was responsible for making Pulaski Co the highest responding county in the state for speed tests submitted and led efforts to gather support for internet providers wanting to invest in the local community.

The celebration was sponsored by the Community Foundation of Pulaski County and Pulaski County Community Development Commission (CDC). The event acknowledged contributors to the Community Foundation’s initiative.

In addition to Lt. Gov. Crouch, speakers included Broadband Task Force Chair Kurt Dickey, Pulaski County’s broadband consultant Scott Rudd of Rudd Consulting, LLC, and individual internet providers: LightStream – Brent Gillum; Mercury Broadband – Tyler Osmon, Mark Church; RTC Communications – Aereka Hyde; and Nextlink – Rick Harnish.

Crouch pointed out that quality broadband service will open rural areas of the state to those who want to live, work and do business outside urban locations. She added that local leadership efforts to concentrate on the development of broadband, downtown development, housing and recreation further efforts to attract growth to the county.

Among those attending with the lieutenant governor were State Rep. Doug Gutwein, representatives from the offices of other state and federal elected officials, county elected officials, internet providers LightStream, Mercury Broadband, Nextlink, RTC Fiber Communications; Aspirations in Action steering committee, broadband task force and broadband council members; Community Foundation board, Community Development Commission board; and initiative supporters (business and industry, community), and local and regional media.

Wendy Rose, CFPC executive director, welcomed those in attendance, along with Nathan Origer, CDC executive director.

The event was held at Celebration Station in downtown Winamac.

Background

With support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC) launched a forward-thinking leadership initiative in 2020 to grow the community’s leadership strengths and focus on community action for future good. Last fall the “Aspirations in Action” Steering Committee was formed and identified four key impact areas to pursue: Broadband, Housing, Downtown Development and Recreation.

The Aspirations in Action plans align with the Pulaski County Community Development Commission’s strategic plan, and the efforts are being led by community-driven task forces under the Community Foundation. The new Aspirations in Action logo was unveiled at the celebration.

In April, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Monday $189 million for 154 broadband infrastructure expansion projects across the state in the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program.

“This record-setting investment in broadband is another game-changer for Hoosiers who now, more than ever, need affordable, reliable internet,” Gov. Holcomb said at the time. “With this third round, we take giant steps in leveling the playing field for our residents regardless of where they choose to live, work or go to school.”

The state portion of the money for the Next Level grants comes from federal infrastructure bill approved by Congress last year. The state grants office explains the Next Level Connections Broadband program is funded through Indiana's appropriation from the U.S. Department of Treasury's Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and state appropriated funding through the Rural Broadband Fund.