Missouri is applying for $142 million in federal stimulus money to help expand the reach of broadband Internet access to rural areas in the state.

The initiative would expand broadband accessibility to 91.5 percent of the total population, a significant increase from the current projected accessibility of 79.7 percent.

Under the application filed Thursday with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S Department of Commerce, the state and Sho-Me Technologies will request $142,300,000 in federal recovery funds to help lay 2,500 miles of fiber -optic cable and construct 200 new broadband towers across the state.

The state of Missouri would provide $25.2 million in matching funds if the application is approved, and Sho-Me Technologies would contribute $8.3 million in fiber lines along the new network.

Jeremiah W. Nixon
Governor of Missouri

"Just as the railroads and interstates transformed Missouri communities in decades past, this massive undertaking would truly help connect every corner of Missouri with the information superhighway of the future," Gov. Nixon said.

"We will compete for every possible dollar to turn this project into reality and bring the tremendous resources of broadband Internet to homes and businesses in nearly every community in the Show-Me State."

Nixon said Missouri is also working with local Internet service providers to apply for stimulus funds to build "last-mile" connections for broadband access.

"The Internet holds the potential to help every Missourian lead a healthier, more productive life, and to bring about real savings for the people of our state," Gov. Nixon said.

"It's time to close the divide between communities with broadband access and those without, and this project will help us accomplish that goal."