Internet access is officially on its way to nearly 2,000 homes in Western North Carolina that currently lack a stable connection, thanks more than $23.4 million in state grants. The monies will go to 12 North Carolina counties this round. Internet providers throughout the state can apply for GREAT grant funding, according to a state release.
MEANWHILE…
Other communities are also hoping to soon get a piece of the GREAT grant pie for broadband expansion. The majority of WNC counties – Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania – have given ARPA funds to internet providers applying for the grant. But state and federal regulations have put a hold on when funds can officially dole out the awards, and that resulted in a huge number of protests from providers. Though most counties were not included in the first round of awards, they’re likely to receive some of the state’s $350 million set aside for GREAT grants in the coming weeks, officials said.
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