Allocation of $722 million to provide universal broadband infrastructure in 70 counties
Bedford County Receives Two VATI Grants to Extend High-Speed Internet Access
In December 2021, Governor Northam announced the allocation of $722 million to provide universal broadband infrastructure in 70 counties, which, when combined with previous initiatives, will close 90% of Virginia’s digital divide. The funding—from the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) and the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)—will support 35 projects. Two of the projects that were awarded through the VATI were in Bedford County with project costs totaling $44,921,083.70. Total leverage funds from Bedford County, Shentel and ZiTel accounted for $27,754,862.39, or 61.79% of the total project costs. These efforts will bring high-speed internet to 9,679 locations in Bedford County. The CVPDC provided technical assistance to Bedford County in their application submissions to the Department of Housing and Community Development which administers the VATI.
