Alabama Digital Expansion Bureau Meeting Highlights
This week, the Alabama Department of Economic Community Affairs (ADECA) conducted a quarterly meeting for the Alabama Digital Expansion Bureau in Montgomery.
During the meeting, updates were shared by 20 internet service providers that have received grants from two programs supported by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. These initiatives aim to extend high-speed internet access to underserved regions of the state.
With grants totaling over $400 million, the completion of this project is expected by the end of 2026.
Kenneth Boswell, the ADECA Director, conveyed a crucial message to the providers. While some progress has been seen with projects backed by the Capital Projects Fund and the Alabama Anchor Institution/Middle-Mile program, he noted that the progress isn’t sufficient.
“We’re making strides, but we need to do more,” Boswell told the providers.
He added that timelines aren’t just for ADECA; they involve federal obligations as well. If the projects aren’t finished in time, Alabama risks losing financial support, and internet providers could miss out on reimbursement for their efforts.
Boswell stressed the importance of meeting the “substantial completion” requirement by the federal deadline of December 31, 2026. He warned that failing to meet these deadlines could lead to the loss of funds and potential recapture of money already distributed. He urged ISPs to actively manage these projects and keep ADECA updated, emphasizing the need to prioritize timely project completions.
“We’re in this together, but we must streamline our efforts and stay ahead of schedule,” Boswell stated. “When the quicker projects are done, Alabamians will gain access to the high-speed internet they deserve, and we can safeguard vital funding.”
The Capital Projects Fund along with the Alabama Anchor Institution/Middle-Mile program is part of Alabama’s larger commitment to address digital inequalities and ensure reliable, affordable broadband access across all communities in the state.
