Here is a look at five new broadband access programs announced yesterday. The projects are primarily designed to increase rural broadband access while simultaneously creating jobs and expanding access to healthcare, education and other community services:

In Louisiana: The state will receive an $80 million investment to install fiber lines and broadband access across 3,488 miles, including 12 impoverished parishes. The funding will be distributed amongst the state’s Louisiana Broadband Alliance, a team drawing on the resources of six state agencies. Read the full story here.

In Minnesota: $13 million has been awarded to the state to help expand broadband access through many of the state’s 50 communities who have sought broadband project funding. "This is going to be a great thing for Jackson, Jackson County, for a long, long time to come," said Mitch Jasper, the mayor of Jackson, a city of about 3,500 in southwest Minnesota. Read the full story here.

In Ohio: The state has received federal grants and matching private sector funds to expand rural broadband access to businesses and homes. Rep. Charlie Wilson said, "Expanding small businesses and creating jobs are the keys to our economic recovery and it's tough to do that without expanding broadband," You can read the full story here.

In Texas: The state is receiving a $63.6 million combination of loans and grants to expand broadband access across the state. The PRIDE network will receive the funding, which is contingent upon the company meeting the terms of the broadband access funding agreement. Read the full story here.

In West Virginia: The state is receiving a $1.9 million grant to replace outdatedcomputers and expand high-speed Internet access to 20 workforce training centers. "Regardless of their situation -- unemployed, disabled or low-income -- many West Virginians do not have access to advanced technology," said Jama Jarrett, spokeswoman for Workforce West Virginia. "These broadband funds will allow Workforce West Virginia to improve and replace facilities and equipment to serve the clients in their search for career and training opportunities." Read the full story here.