Another $7.9 million of ARPA money awarded for Cell Towers Grant Program

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Another $7.9 million in ARPA funding was awarded on Friday, according to a press release from the Department of Economic Development.

The release states grants will be awarded to 14 projects to construct new towers that provide quality cellular service and greater 911 connectivity to high-cost areas. This is the second round of funding. Another $12 million was awarded during the first round of funding in October.  

Projects expected to serve more than 18,000 “high-need locations,” according to the release.

According to information from the DED’s website, $3,235,912.72 of the recent round of funding will go to Branch Towers for five cellphone towers in central and northeast Missouri. Those towers will serve Lincoln, Pike, Maries, Osage, Pettis, Saline, Boone, Callaway, Audrain, Cole and Miller counties.

“This second round of funding awarded through the Cell Towers Grant Program will further promote economic growth and public safety statewide,” Gov. Mike Parson said in the release. “As we continue to improve Missouri’s critical infrastructure, including cellular service, we appreciate the efforts of the Office of Broadband Development. As a result of this program, thousands of locations lacking adequate coverage will now receive quality, reliable cellular connectivity.”