PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- The State of South Dakota is taking applications for the final round of funding for the Connect SD program.

Governor Kristi Noem says up to $27 million will be awarded to help connect more areas of rural South Dakota to high-speed broadband internet.

Noem says this investment is critical to both workforce development and to future economic development.

Grant applications will be available soon on the Connect SD website.

The Connect SD broadband program has connected tens of thousands of households and businesses to high-speed broadband and invested nearly $270-million since the program began in 2019.

Noem made the announcement during the South Dakota Telecommunications Association Conference held in Deadwood earlier this week.