Local Fees May Hamper Federal Grant Access For High-Speed Internet In La.

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Local roadblocks are getting in the way of federal plans to expand high-speed Internet service in Louisiana.

A federal grant program called GUMBO, for Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities, aims to bring service to all 64 of the state's parishes. But some local governments charge franchise fees on companies that use public space.

A new state law says GUMBO funding won't be awarded to cities or parishes that impose franchise fees on broadband services. East Baton Rouge and Lake Charles both charge the fees.