Acadia Parish Sees Major Boost in Connectivity With Completion Of Broadband Project
LFT Fiber, along with state and local leaders, announced today that Acadia Parish’s latest broadband project is now finished, delivering steady, high-speed service to 26 homes and 14 businesses in areas like Crowley and Church Point and helping reinforce industries such as agriculture and energy, which drive the local economy.
The project was funded through the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) 1.0 program, administered by the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (ConnectLA). The GUMBO 1.0 program, supported by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, provides competitive grants to internet service providers to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas across Louisiana.
“Acadia Parish has always been a driving force in Louisiana’s farming and business community. With support from the GUMBO program, families and local employers now have access to the high-speed internet they need to grow. This work strengthens our agricultural backbone and keeps opportunity right here at home.”
Gov. Jeff Landry
“People in Acadia Parish keep this region moving, whether they’re working fields, running shops or keeping our energy operations on track. Reliable broadband is now in place to support that work and give families in communities across the parish what they’ve needed for a long time. This investment puts real tools in the hands of the people who make this parish strong. Thank you to Gov. Landry; Reps. Henry and DeVillier; and Sens. Hensgens and Abraham for their support in moving this project forward.”
Veneeth Iyengar
Executive Director of ConnectLA
The GUMBO 1.0 program represents a $176 million investment to expand broadband access across 48 parishes, connecting more than 65,000 locations statewide. Through this initiative, ConnectLA partners with internet service providers to deliver high-speed internet to rural and underserved communities, helping drive economic growth, improve education and healthcare access and enhance overall quality of life.
“The completion of the GUMBO grants represents a significant milestone for Acadia Parish. This project both enhances our broadband infrastructure and creates more opportunities for every community impacted. It is a testament to the collaboration and commitment of our partners to ensure that every resident has access to the resources they need to thrive in today's digital age.”
Michael D. Soileau
LFT Fiber Director
“Expanding access to broadband in Acadia Parish is a critical step in moving our community forward. I’m proud to have been a part of this as both a police juror and state representative. Projects like these show that when everybody is pulling in the same direction, we can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for our people.”
State Rep. Chance Henry
With projects like this one, Louisiana continues to lead the nation in broadband expansion. The state was the first in the country to receive broadband funding from both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan, positioning Louisiana as a model for coordinated, community-driven connectivity.
Visit the ConnectLA website to learn more
The Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (ConnectLA) leads the state’s efforts to expand high-speed internet access and close the digital divide. Housed within the Louisiana Division of Administration, ConnectLA works across federal, state and local partners to identify and implement strategies that ensure every resident can benefit from reliable broadband connectivity.