U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded a $2.2 million grant to the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana located in Elton.

The grant will provide funding to construct fiber optic cable along U.S. 165, bringing high-speed internet service to nearby residents and businesses in Allen Parish.

This investment will be matched with $550,000 in local funds.

“Investing in broadband infrastructure is key to building Louisiana’s economy for 2050,” Cassidy said. “This funding will bring the Coushatta Tribe faster and more reliable internet while promoting the economic development of Allen Parish.”

Cassidy wrote a letter of support for the project, which will connect 865 Coushatta Tribe members and about 22,750 residents of Allen Parish.