MARQUETTE — The $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package that passed the U.S. House and Senate and awaits President Biden’s signature includes a $1.2 million earmark that will enable Northern Michigan University to expand LTE broadband service to rural communities in the Upper Peninsula and northeastern Lower Peninsula through its Educational Access Network.

“Northern Michigan University has been a leader in providing broadband access to the residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for many years,” said NMU Interim President Kerri Schuiling. “This funding is vital to continuing the work NMU initiated to ensure the continuation of quality internet access.”

Gavin Leach, NMU vice president for Finance and Administration, said fast, reliable and affordable high-speed broadband is a critical tool for driving rural economic development and an improved standard of living.

“It is also essential for education, which became increasingly evident with home-based schooling during the pandemic,” he added. “Northern has already delivered this service to more than 100 U.P. communities that previously had limited or no broadband access. We look forward to extending its reach to further bridge the digital divide. Northern appreciates the efforts of Congressman Jack Bergman to include this earmark in the bill, and the support of Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters in voting to approve the spending package.”

NMU’s expansion project is scheduled to be completed within a year. It will provide the designated communities with new high-speed, 5G-capable wireless LTE broadband.

Additionally, the project will promote the communities’ ability to ensure sustainable futures through internet-based wastewater treatment monitoring; no-cost library internet service; mobile internet service for public works vehicles; mobile hotspots for schools and tribal communities; and assistance with the ability to control and monitor equipment, perform research in community databases, and access maps and infrastructure documents–all remotely. NMU also has enabled mobile data connections for law enforcement to access state and federal information networks.

For more information on NMU’s Educational Access Network, go to nmu.edu/ean.

Sen. Stabenow, D-Mich., also announced funding for the following Upper Peninsula projects in the appropriations bill:

— Army Corps of Engineers Menominee River Deepening Project, $200,000. Funding will be used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study into potential harbor infrastructure improvements in the Menominee-Marinette Harbor. This study will identify needed improvements to ensure economic resilience and additional efficiencies for harbor users, including shippers and other major employers in the region.

— Marquette Community Action Affordable Solar Clean Energy Planning, $100,000. Funding will allow the Alger-Marquette Community Action Board to develop a plan to establish a residential solar program benefitting Upper Peninsula communities. The planning process will allow them to develop a program that serves low-income clients, reduces household energy cost burdens, and uses funding from excess energy generated to create a self-funding cycle of program funds that will help provide solar for additional clients.

— Great Lakes Recovery Centers in Ishpeming, $680,000. Funding will be used to provide new services in the Upper Peninsula to address rising substance use issues, including recovery housing and additional counselors.

— OSF St. Francis Hospital facilities and equipment, $1.5 million. Funding will be used to provide local access to cancer care in rural Michigan areas. The facility will expand access to health care for the Escanaba community.