MONTGOMERY — Alabama’s efforts to extend access to broadband service to unserved areas received a boost with the U.S. Treasury Department’s approval of the state’s plan for the Capital Projects Fund, making $191.8 million available for broadband expansion, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the funds as part of a grant program to support projects to extend service to previously unserved 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 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 use of the funds for broadband expansion was approved by the Legislature last year. Since the money is through the American Rescue Plan Act, the state needed Treasury Department approval. ADECA submitted a plan outlining use of the funds to the U.S. Treasury Department in September.
The governor has made increasing access to broadband a top priority. In her inaugural address, Ivey said Alabama will be a national model when it comes to broadband expansion.
“Under Governor 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,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “While the need is still great, these funds will enable us to make further progress in closing the digital divide in Alabama.”
Since 2018, the state has awarded $63.9 million in state funds to support 100 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund.
ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division will roll out the competitive grant program in the coming months. It will be modeled after the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund, which ADECA has administered since 2018.
Grants will be available for internet service providers to make “last-mile” connections to previously unserved homes, businesses and community institutions. Once connected, residents will have the ability to become a customer of the broadband providers.
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