By Staff
More internet accessibility should be coming to parts of DeKalb County with an additional 3.4 million in funding from Governor Ivey. This grant will provide broadband access to 826 households, businesses, and public service institutions in or near the towns, cities, and communities of Mentone, Valley Head, Fort Payne, Cloudmont, Cloudland, Union Hill, Moon Lake, Ponderosa, Bankhead, Little River East Fork, Little River West Fork, Oakdale, Sylvania Gap, and DeSoto State Park.
This month Governor Kay Ivey has awarded more than $26 million in state funds to provide broadband services throughout Alabama.
The nine grants totaling $26.6 million were awarded to broadband providers across the state. Once work is completed, the expanded broadband service will provide the capability to serve nearly 15,000 additional households, businesses, and public facilities, including schools and police, and fire services in areas without access to broadband service. Broadband providers supply access to broadband service, but households and businesses must still pay for connecting to the service.
The expansion will also provide additional links to make it more feasible to supply future broadband service within those areas.
“Alabama continues to make strides in providing reliable high-speed internet services for families and businesses throughout Alabama,” said Governor Ivey. “I extend my thanks to legislators who realize the importance and the huge impact that access to broadband services means for Alabama. I also thank the service providers for their willingness to be a part of this mission to change the lives of Alabamians.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the Broadband Accessibility Fund grants from state funds allocated by the Legislature. The grants are issued through ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division, created by legislation signed by Governor Ivey in 2021 focusing on broadband expansion in Alabama.
“Having access to high-speed internet service can change the world for families in rural areas, particularly when it comes to education, health care, or running a business,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “I am honored to have the trust that Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature have placed in ADECA to administer this program that is making a difference for people throughout the state.”