Gulp. Kay Ivey on Monday announced more than $188 million to continue expanding high-speed internet access in Alabama.
Grants totaling $188,453,905 were awarded to 12 internet service providers to install “Middle Mile” projects spanning more than 4,000 miles across Alabama. Middle Mile projects help close the broadband expansion gap, making it more economically viable and less labor-intensive for providers to extend service to unserved businesses and households in the state.
Ms Ivey made the grant announcement today in her hometown of Camden. The area where the Middle Mile project will be completed in Alabama also includes Wilcox County and other rural counties.
“Like many other parts of Alabama, rural Alabama needs increased access to high-speed internet, and we are now making great strides toward full broadband access,” Ivey said. said. “These middle-mile projects are extremely beneficial to our core institutions and put us in a desirable situation where ‘last-mile’ projects that provide broadband services to businesses and homes are more economical and achievable. I will guide you.”
Anchor facilities include schools, hospitals, medical facilities, and government and public safety buildings. Many are located on or near the Middle Mile line, and more than 790 will be served by the project.
“In the 21st century, access to affordable, high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a necessity, and one that many Alabamians have gone without for far too long,” Sewell said. “I am thrilled to be able to help make this funding available through the American Rescue Plan and commend Governor Ivey and Commissioner Boswell for their investment in GKIe. We will continue to work hard to ensure that these products are delivered to our customers.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer this program through the Alabama Department of Digital Extension. This department was established by the Alabama Legislature and Governor Ivey to focus on expanding high-speed internet in the state.
“ADECA is pleased to be part of this broadband expansion effort that will benefit and improve the lives of so many people,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “I would like to thank Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for their confidence in entrusting ADECA with this vital program.”
Funding for the newest Middle Mile program came from Congressional appropriations from the state's American Rescue Plan Act Fund.
The organizations awarded grants are:
Central Alabama Electric Cooperative
The $2.69 million project will provide middle-mile infrastructure including 33 anchor institutions along 38 miles of Autauga and Elmore counties.
Coosa Valley Technologies Co., Ltd.
$7 million to provide 110 miles of middle-mile connectivity to Calhoun, St. Clair and Talladega counties impacting 17 anchor institutions.
Cullman Electric Cooperative
The $1.46 million project will install middle-mile connections in various areas of Cullman County, covering 106 miles and including 15 anchor institutions.
Farmers Telecommunications Co., Ltd.
$21.6 million to provide two mid-mile fiber routes totaling 155 miles and connecting 189 anchor institutions in Blount, Etowah, Jefferson, and Marshall Counties.
alabama fiber network
Bibb, Butler, Chilton, Choctaw, Conecuh, Dale, Dallas, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lowndes, Marengo, Monroe, Perry County, Pickens County, Sumter County, Tuscaloosa County, Wilcox County. The Alabama Fiber Network is a federation of eight local electric cooperatives.
JMF solution
4 providing middle-mile connectivity to a 1,169-mile route in Bibb, Choctaw, Clark, Clay-Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Lowndes, Macon, Monroe, Randolph, and Washington counties. $6.3 million for two projects. This project will impact 24 anchor institutions.
Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation
A $5.25 million investment to provide more than 32 miles of middle-mile infrastructure in the Cortland area of Lawrence County, impacting 16 major agencies.
point broadband
$411,341 to deliver the Blount County Middle Mile Project, totaling 19.4 miles and impacting 21 major agencies.
spectrum southeast
$7.3 million for the Middle Mile project, which will connect 167 miles and eight anchor institutions in rural southeastern Houston County.
Tombigbee Electric Cooperative
$757,479 to deliver nearly 50 miles of Middle Mile projects in Winston County and impact 22 major agencies.
unity fiber
The $4.2 million Middle Mile project will span approximately 64 miles and include four anchor institutions in Butler, Lowndes and Montgomery counties.
yellowhammer networks
$2.52 million for the Middle Mile project, which spans 620 miles and includes the cities of Selma, Demopolis and Eutaw in Bibb, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties. Six anchor institutions will participate in this project.
