Montgomery, AL –In an important step in eliminating the gap between digital and physical in Alabama Governor Kay Ivey commenced her broadband tour at Oakman Middle School in Walker County on Tuesday. The governor, along with the most prominent officials and leaders presented updates on the state-wide development of the ambitious project to increase high-speed internet access.
“As I’ve stated many times that our goal is to provide everyone in Alabama the opportunity to have access to high-speed internet is a long journey that is not a one-way journey,” Governor Ivey emphasized. “I’m happy to announce that we’re making huge improvements across the state, and providing more people with the infrastructure tools needed for success in the 21st century in health, education business, and all every day life. In addition, expanding our digital infrastructure is one of the top priorities to this administration.” Ivey Administration.”
The Governor was accompanied by Ivey on the occasion were prominent figures like Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell, state Rep. Matt Woods, state Rep. Tim Wadsworth, and Oakman Mayor Cory Franks.
The discussion focused on the distribution of more than 12 million dollars in grant and matching funds for broadband projects that benefit more than 2,200 residents living in Walker County who were previously unaffected. The accomplishments in the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF) which is funded through Alabama’s legislature Alabama Legislature, was a the subject of the discussion.
ABAF assists with specifically targeted projects in communities without high-speed internet. Through grants granted by ADECA Internet service providers implement projects to connect individuals and libraries, businesses, schools and other anchor community institutions to broadband networks.
Alabama Senate Presidency Pro Tem Greg Reed expressed his commitment by stating “Our people who are not connected require internet connectivity at high speeds and it is vital to ensure that Alabama continues to invest in projects that offer Alabamans the chance to succeed by crossing this digital divide.”
Since the year 2018, Alabama has invested approximately $82 million of state money through ABAF grant awards, which support more than 100 projects. After completion the projects will provide broadband accessible to over 72,000 residents, businesses and community organizations in Alabama.
“I’m satisfied with the efforts we’ve put into ADECA to assist vital broadband projects throughout the state, including those that are taking place here within Walker County,” remarked Director Kenneth Boswell. “None of these would have been possible without the direction by governor Kay Ivey and the support of our Legislature.”
To keep up-to-date with Alabama’s efforts in expanding high-speed internet people who are interested are encouraged to check out Be Linked Alabama. Be Linked Alabama website. The site provides broadband expansion details as well as information on the Alabama Broadband Map counties, profiles of the counties dashboards, and state-wide broadband information.
