The US Department of Agriculture has announced that Southwest Michigan Commuications received a $4.1 million loan and similar grant amount to provide advanced broadband services to residents in the Paw Paw area.  

With this award, Michigan has now received over $45 million through the Recovery Act to help provide broadband services throughout the state.  This includes $8.6 million to Chatham Telephone Company in the Upper Peninsula, $33 million the Merit Network to build middle mile connections throughout the state, and $1.8 million to the Michigan Public Service Commission to launch a broadband mapping initiative.

Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.

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