TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. – Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) is on the brink of wrapping up the initial phase of its fiber internet system rollout, with state grants paving the path for expanded coverage beyond its electric service areas.
CVEC’s internet subsidiary, Coosa Valley Technologies, secured nine grants in recent weeks, signaling an imminent push to extend its fully-fiber network beyond the cooperative’s current footprint.
The forthcoming projects will kick off once CVEC completes its initial buildout to serve electric consumers.
“Fiber internet improves educational opportunities, quality of life, workforce development and business prospects,” remarked CVEC General Manager Jon Cullimore. “When our members first voted to create an internet subsidiary, we promised to deliver this high-quality service to them first. With that project nearing completion, we believe others in our area can benefit from our reliable and fast service.”
Gov. Kay Ivey’s office awarded nearly $150 million in Capital Projects Fund grants on Tuesday, Feb. 27, with CVEC snagging six, totaling $12.5 million.
These funds will drive the expansion into parts of Talladega, Shelby, Etowah, and Calhoun counties.
Wesley Allen, Coosa Valley Technologies’s manager of operations, expressed enthusiasm over receiving the grants.
“They will help us offer broadband services to areas near our electric footprint,” said Allen. “We targeted these areas since they are a natural fit for expansion. We’ll be bringing the highest quality internet service available to areas that are truly unserved.”
In addition to the Capital Projects Fund grants, CVEC also secured over $7 million from the Alabama Anchor Institution/Middle Mile Program to connect vital institutions in Talladega, St. Clair, and Calhoun counties.
The grants, fueled by the American Rescue Plan Act, show a concerted effort to bridge the digital divide throughout rural Alabama.
With the paperwork in progress, Coosa Valley Technologies has a two-year window to complete all projects.
