Louisiana highlights $3.5 billion in rural investments

Louisiana officials are highlighting more than $3.5 billion in investments aimed at improving broadband access, transportation infrastructure and rural health care across the state.

Gov. Jeff Landry joined state agency leaders in Ruston to discuss the initiatives, which include federal broadband funding, road and bridge construction projects and expanded health care services for rural residents.

Broadband expansion and emergency services

A major portion of the investment involves Louisiana's GUMBO 2.0 program, which is deploying more than $1.53 billion in federal broadband funding to expand high-speed internet access in underserved communities.

According to ConnectLA, the program includes connectivity improvements for 1,222 fire stations, police departments and sheriff's offices statewide.

During a groundbreaking ceremony in Central, Landry emphasized the importance of reliable communications for first responders during fires, medical emergencies and natural disasters.

Louisiana also announced two national milestones in broadband development. Coushatta became the first community in the nation to receive fiber internet service through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, according to ConnectLA.

Pelican Broadband is expanding service to 1,102 locations in the Coushatta area, while SkyRider Communications has begun BEAD-funded fiber construction in northern Louisiana. ConnectLA projects statewide broadband coverage by 2028.

Roads, bridges rural health care

Beyond broadband, the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction reported 152 road and bridge projects underway as part of a $580 million infrastructure initiative. The Louisiana Department of Health is also advancing a $1.4 billion Rural Health Transformation Program intended to improve medical access, strengthen the health care workforce and support rural providers. State officials say the initiative serves approximately 1.1 million rural residents.

“Rural Louisiana has helped build this country and power its industries for generations,” Landry said. “We want our young people across Louisiana to see a future here.”

ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar said the state expects 95 percent of Louisiana to have access to reliable internet by the end of 2026.

State officials say the investments are intended to strengthen rural communities, expand employment opportunities and improve essential services, with individual projects continuing through various stages of development.