MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama’s efforts to extend access to broadband service to unserved areas received a boost last week with the U.S. Treasury Department’s approval of the state’s plan to make $191.8 million available for broadband expansion.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced last Thursday, Jan. 26, that the expansion would be made possible through the Capital Projects Fund.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will administer the funds as part of a grant program to extend service to previously underdeveloped areas of the state.
“Access to broadband is a necessity in today’s world, and I continue to make it a priority that our state has the full ability to be connected to high-speed internet,” said Gov. Ivey. “I often say that broadband expansion is a journey, not a short trip. These funds will enable us to take several more strides in that journey toward full access no matter where you live in Alabama.”
The governor has made increasing access to broadband a top priority, mentioning during her inaugural address that Alabama will be a national model when it comes to broadband expansion.
ADECA’s Digital Expansion Division will roll out the competitive grant program in the coming months.
Grants will be available for internet service providers to make “last-mile” connections to homes, businesses and community institutions non-gridded for broadband. Once connected, residents will have the ability to become a customer of the broadband providers.
“Under Gov. Ivey’s leadership and with a strong team effort among the Legislature, internet service providers and many others, the state has made progress in expanding access to high-speed internet,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “While the need is still great, these funds will enable us to make further progress in closing the digital divide in Alabama.”
