Midwest Energy and Communications is about to start rolling out more high-speed internet in Hagar Township as part of its ongoing effort to expand access to those who lack it in Berrien County.

Hagar Township Supervisor Izzy DiMaggio tells us he’s gotten word the project, which was almost delayed, is now on track to start in the fourth quarter of this year.

“They are set to install high-speed broadband to over 400 households in Hager Township that are either unserved or underserved with high-speed internet,” DiMaggio said.

DiMaggio says the work comes at a cost of about $273,000, or $650 per household, for the township. However, no local dollars are being used.

“Not one penny of this will come out of general fund money that we have allocated and saved money from the American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA funds. This is the remaining funds that we have, and that will pay for it.”

MEC has been expanding broadband internet throughout Berrien County after a lengthy effort by county commissioners to secure grant funding. DiMaggio says this is part of that work, and also the first time MEC has done such a project in Hagar Township.