Missouri state leaders move forward with $400 million broadband expansion

COLUMBIA — Governor Mike Parson continued efforts Tuesday to push Missouri lawmakers to approve $400 million into broadband expansion. Parson said the project was the largest single investment in state history.

Missouri ranked number 34 out of 50 states in broadband access. State officials said there were more than 147,000 unserved or underserved households and more than 392,000 Missourians without reliable internet access including Audrain County Farmer Clarissa Cauthorn.

Cauthorn said, “Most often for my job or if I needed to do any internet-based stuff, I come to town to do it.”

Clarissa and Andrew Cauthorn have 2 children and operate a cattle farm while growing corn, soybeans and wheat. Clarissa Cauthorn drove 17 miles to her mother-in-law’s house to have a Zoom conversation on the internet with KRCG. She said her unreliable internet access was frustrating and inconvenient.

https://krcgtv.com/news/local/missouri-state-leaders-move-forward-with-400-million-broadband-expansion