MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced the awarding of $6.2 million in funding to continue the expansion of high-speed internet access in Alabama.
The latest award to Alabama Fiber Network will supply 125 miles of “middle-mile” broadband service in parts of 12 counties – most located in south Alabama. Middle-mile projects involve filling the gaps in broadband expansion to make it more cost-effective and less labor-intensive for providers to extend broadband services to businesses and households in the state.
“Alabama continues to make strides in providing broadband accessibility in all areas of the state,” Gov. Ivey said. “These latest projects are in many counties where improved broadband access is needed. I am pleased by this progress, and I am proud of the partnerships that have enabled us to make these steps toward a fully connected Alabama.”
The middle mile projects will be implemented in Baldwin, Bibb, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Conecuh, Dallas, Greene, Macon, Monroe, Randolph and Washington counties. Twelve anchor institutions will be connected in the process. Anchor institutions include schools, hospitals and medical facilities and government and public safety buildings.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grant through its Alabama Digital Expansion Division. The division was established by the Alabama Legislature and Gov. Ivey to focus on broadband expansion in the state.
“This program is bringing about life-changing improvements for Alabamians, particularly those who live in remote areas,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to be a part of this effort to expand this digital infrastructure to areas where it is needed.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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