Progress has been made in the initial efforts to obtain federal and state funding to upgrade and expand the current internet infrastructure here in Lawrence County. That was the summation of Bill Coleman with the Benton Institute of Broadband. He, along with Hillary Ranes of the Illinois Office of Broadband met with the 13 member Lawrence County Broadband Committee Wednesday in Lawrenceville. They are assisting and advising the local group on its efforts. Efforts are being made to have local residents complete surveys regarding their internet connectivity as an initial part of putting together a comprehensive county-wide plan in the future. Those surveys are available both online at go.illinois.edu/ConnectLawrenceCounty or at several public locations such as the Lawrence Public Library, Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and the Lawrence County Farm Bureau. Surveys are also be mailed. People are asked to fill out the survey and return it by Wednesday, May 15th.