MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) – Governor Kay Ivey has awarded nearly $42 million in grants for “last-mile” high-speed internet projects in 23 Alabama counties. The funding will extend broadband access over 2,347 miles, providing high-speed internet to more than 15,000 households, businesses, and community institutions that currently lack access.
“With these latest grants, Alabama takes another all-important step to supplying high-speed internet availability to more rural Alabama communities and neighborhoods,” said Governor Ivey. “Upon completion of these projects, more children will have better learning opportunities, more businesses will have greater opportunities to compete worldwide, and emergency response departments and medical clinics will be able to offer improved services.”
The “last-mile” projects involve the final connection from the internet service provider to customers, including family households, businesses, schools, libraries, and fire stations.
In February, Governor Ivey awarded $148.3 million for broadband access in over two-thirds of Alabama’s 67 counties. These new grants come from the remaining funds of the Capital Projects Fund, part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
“Our state and so many partners are making continued progress in providing high-speed internet access to those unserved areas in Alabama,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “I remain honored in the trust that Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature have placed in ADECA in carrying out this mission that will truly change lives for the better.”
The awarded grants will cover projects in areas like Chilton, Mobile, Baldwin, Jackson, Randolph, Shelby, Walker, Colbert, Lauderdale, St. Clair, and more, helping bridge the digital divide across Alabama.
