Virginia has received approval from the NTIA to apply for $1.48 billion in federal funding to expand broadband. Virginia Business reported that the application falls under the BEAD program.
“Virginia’s historic investment in broadband infrastructure ($935 million) is one key ingredient which helped drive our ranking as America’s top state to do business in 2024,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “With the resources we are securing today, we can close the digital divide and ensure all Virginians have access to high-speed internet.”
Youngkin added that the announcement brings the state closer to accessing the $1.5 billion award to expand access to more families and businesses. The goal is to move closer to universal coverage for all Virginians, reported Virginia Business.
State officials are gearing up for the next phase of the project, the application process, which is set to launch later in 2024. “The governor will recommend projects to the NTIA for funding, and then the NTIA will make the final decision,” explained DHCD Director and Chief Broadband Advisor Bryan Horn.
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