The state of Illinois is set to receive around 1 billion dollars in federal funding to expand statewide access to high speed internet. Rural communities across Illinois are being urged to seize the chance to ensure a better and more reliable broadband future. The Lawrence County Industrial Development Council (LCIDC) has announced it has formed a committee which will explore the opportunity for Lawrence County to grab it’s share of available money to improve local broadband internet coverage. Lawrence County has also been in contact with surrounding counties in a unified effort to obtain broadband funding for the region.