Shreveport, LA – According to the state officials, this initiative will expand broadband to 140,000 locations, including 100,000 homes (60,000 in rural parishes), 35,000 businesses, and 4,000 community anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies.
GUMBO 2.0 is expected to create 8,000 to 10,000 jobs, boost the state’s GDP by $1.3 billion, and generate $2 to $3 billion in new revenue for local companies.
The program is funded through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will be administered by the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, the top-ranked broadband office in the country according to a 2024 ranking by the American Enterprise Institute.
Governor Landry emphasized the program’s significant impact on the state, stating, “GUMBO 2.0 will help bridge the digital divide, expanding access to healthcare, small businesses, education, and agriculture.
When we win in broadband, our citizens win, our communities win, and our economy wins.”