Southeast Iowa areas designated Broadband Intervention Zones

DES MOINES — The State of Iowa has identified and ranked nearly 100 new “Broadband Intervention Zones” for its Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program. The status makes areas eligible for “enhanced incentives” and “higher prioritization” for state dollars, according to a news release from the Department of Management’s Office of the Chief of Information.

The program has generated $352,850,022 in state and federal funding for over 109,000 homes since 2018, according to the news release.

“While we have seen improvement, as Iowa rose twelve spots in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings for internet access, there is more work to be done,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement. “With input from Iowa communities across the state, 96 Broadband Intervention Zones will help bring strong, more reliable broadband to more areas — setting Iowa and Iowans up for success.”

The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission made several of the applications, winning Intervention Zone status large swaths of Lee County around Fort Madison and Summitville, as well as an area encompassing Lockridge, Hillsboro, Salem, and most of Mt. Pleasant in Jefferson in Henry Counties.

Advocates said efforts from the private sector weren’t cutting it.

“Essentially, the entire unincorporated area of western Henry County has a need for standard broadband services,” a cover letter from the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission said. “The interest in broadband is real and manifested in Henry County’s commitment of $1.4 million of ARPA funds to expand broadband in the county.”

Coming in at number 76 on the list is a nearly-128 square mile area encompassing West Chester, Grace Hill, and part of the city of Washington, all in Washington County.

An Intent to Qualify document submitted by the Washington Economic Development Group shows a total of 256 “underserved” locations, where no provider has download or upload speeds exceeding 100 or 20 megabytes per second, respectively. The area has two locations where no providers exceed 25 MB download or 3 MB upload speeds.

At a Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting in late March, KCTC General Manager Casey Peck said those estimates were likely lower than the true number of underserved homes and businesses.

“This map is a total work in progress not by us, but by the state and the federal government,” she said. “There are some providers that claim to have service in that area … that doesn’t mean that it’s true. But the state obviously can’t go out and check every single household.”

WEDG Executive Director Mary Audia said the qualification process was a team effort between her organization and broadband provider KCTC, with letters of support from the Washington County Board of Supervisors and ECICOG. She said future investments would help community members keep up with an ever-changing world.

“Broadband is essential for rural communities like Washington County as it provides access to the internet, which is crucial for economic development, education, job creation and civic engagement,” she said. “It brings local businesses to global markets and increases area job growth. It enables individuals to start and grow a business and attracts visitors to local businesses. Broadband also allows users to stay in touch with friends and family and provides direct access to education and health care for rural residents who are otherwise forced to travel long distances for academic courses and medical treatment.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com