Fed stimulus program gives $42 million to 5 Michigan companies to expand broadband access

Feds give $42M to Michigan for broadband projects

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Jennifer Granholm says five Michigan companies have received federal recovery grants totaling $42 million to build broadband Internet systems for underserved areas.

The grants announced Wednesday are through the U.S. Agriculture Department.

Crystal Automation Systems Inc. gets $26.5 million to serve Gratiot, Ionia, Mecosta, Montcalm and Oceana counties.

Allband Communications Cooperative gets $9.7 million for systems in northeastern Michigan.

Climax Telephone Co. gets $3.2 million for service in Climax and Scotts.

Island Telephone Co. gets $2 million for service on Mackinac Island.

And Communication Corp. of Michigan gets $1.2 million for service near Augusta in Kalamazoo County and near Hudson in Lenawee County.