Statement from state Rep. John Kivela (D-Marquette) on Michigan Strategic Fund Board approval of award to NMU to make high-speed broadband available throughout the U.P.:

“I am very pleased that Northern Michigan University has been granted an Investment Fund Award worth $6.5 million to bring high-speed broadband services to every city and township in the U.P. This will be a huge help to residents by making it easier for them to go online. More importantly, this will make a world of difference for entrepreneurs who want to live and work in the Upper Peninsula. The economic value of high-speed broadband can’t be underestimated. The availability of high-speed broadband will help us keep our talented youth here in the U.P. It will also give others who have wanted to live and work here the opportunity to do that. Northern Michigan University is doing a great thing for our communities, and I am glad that the MSF recognizes that and is supporting them.”