ST. MARTINVILLE, La. — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards joined Cajun Broadband and state, regional, and local leaders to celebrate the start of construction on a $1.5 million effort to bring high speed internet to over 500 locations in St. Martin Parish. The project is the first of the broadband initiatives funded by the GUMBO grant program to begin construction.

Gov. Edwards also announced an $8 million investment to provide high speed internet to over 600 households in St. Martin, Acadia, Iberia, and Evangeline parishes. The project is funded by the GUMBO grant program with a $4.8 million private sector funding match.

“Companies like Cajun Broadband are paving the way for our state to close the digital divide by 2029,” said Gov. Edwards. “Not only will they provide high-speed internet to hundreds of locations in St. Martin Parish, but they are expected to create hundreds of jobs as a result of the construction, maintenance, and operation of these networks. We are thrilled that Chris and his team at Cajun Broadband are partnering with the state to meet the needs of our residents.”

“These investments will be transformative, especially for small business owners, teachers, students, parents, and first responders.” said Veneeth Iyengar. “We are proud to partner with Cajun Broadband along with the many other providers in the state starting construction soon. Working with a sense of urgency is what we will continue to do to rapidly close the digital divide.”