Hendricks Power Cooperative and Endeavor Communication to receive $851,000 broadband grant

Hendricks Power Cooperative and Endeavor Communication to receive $851,000 broadband grant

By Lindsay Doty

Avon-based Hendricks Power Cooperative and Endeavor Communications were among one of seven Indiana electric cooperatives and their partner organizations to receive funding from the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. The announcement was made by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb last week.

The grant program, in its second phase of awards, is designed to foster broadband infrastructure investment in unserved areas of the state.

A grant totaling just over $851,000 will be awarded to the combined efforts of Hendricks Power Cooperative and Endeavor Communications, supporting their continued expansion to provide internet and other telecommunication services throughout northwestern Putnam County. Funding will assist with future infrastructure development, providing new and enhanced services to rural areas.

Back in 2019, a joint venture agreement between Hendricks Power and Endeavor Communications was formed, resulting in the formation of Hendricks Power’s HP Connect, a Limited Liability Corporation.

“We are extremely pleased to be a recipient of the Next Level Broadband Connections Grant,” stated Hendricks Power Cooperative CEO Greg Ternet.

“We have made great strides in the last year, connecting over 1000 members to broadband. This grant will help keep our momentum going in a more rapid fashion.”

Cooperative members in the Tilden, Pittsboro, Maplewood, and Hazelwood areas now have access to new telecommunications services. Infrastructure build is currently underway in the areas of Stilesville and west of Danville, with plans for further expansion in other surrounding areas in the next three years, according to a statement from the provider.

“Endeavor Communications is grateful to be the recipient of the Next Level Broadband Connections Grant, along with Hendricks Power.  Working together with other cooperatives means shared success in reaching new rural communities,” stated Darin LaCoursiere, CEO of Endeavor Communications. “We are excited to provide a service that will change the way people work and live.”

A 2018 study conducted by the Purdue Center for Regional Development estimated Indiana could gain nearly $12 billion in economic benefits if broadband were deployed in the rural areas of the state. The report further estimated a return of nearly $4 to the local economy for every dollar spent on the necessary infrastructure.