More than $41 million in grants has been awarded through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) for 10 broadband construction projects serving 20 localities throughout Virginia.
The VATI program provides targeted funding to extend service to areas that are presently unserved by any broadband provider.
“Virginia continues to be a national leader for closing the digital divide, and today’s announcement brings us one step closer to becoming the first state in the nation to reach statewide universal broadband coverage,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said. “In our increasingly digital world, having access to high-speed broadband isn’t a luxury; it’s a prerequisite to participate in daily life.”
The goal of VATI is to create strong, competitive communities throughout the Commonwealth by preparing those communities to build, utilize and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure. The year’s funding leverages more than $75.7 million additional funding from local governments and internet service providers.
“Virginia is at the forefront in the nation to reach statewide universal broadband coverage and crafting effective strategies to bridge the digital divide,” Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said. “Closing the digital divide is paramount to growing Virginia’s economy, supporting underserved communities, and ensuring that all Virginians have the resources they need to thrive.”
The Department of Housing and Community Development administers the VATI program, which provides targeted financial assistance to extend broadband service to areas that are currently unserved by a provider. Projects were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each project for demonstrated need and benefit for the community, applicant readiness and capacity, and the cost and leverage of the proposed project. The level of funding awarded is based on the infrastructure needs in the project area.
“Broadband is as critical today as electricity was in the last century, and the Youngkin Administration is committed to ensuring that no communities are at risk of being left behind,” Chief Broadband Advisor and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Director Bryan Horn said. “Once we achieve universal broadband, we will be able to focus our efforts and funding on promoting digital literacy and affordability in regard to access.”
In the application round, DHCD received 25 applications requesting more than $170 million in VATI funding. Since 2017, Virginia has invested more than $850.3 million to connect more than 388,000 homes, businesses and community anchors within 80 localities.
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Rebecca Barnabi
