Fredericksburg Leader

At its June 14th meeting, the Caroline County Board of Supervisors again voted to support efforts to expand broadband service to all unserved addresses in Caroline County. The Board committed to providing $4.5 million in local matching funds to the County’s continuing efforts to obtain a Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) VATI grant in this year’s application cycle. Caroline County has partnered with Breezeline and Verizon as its internet service provider for the VATI grant application. Breezeline has pledged $11.6 million and Verizon $4.6 million in matching funds as part of the VATI grant application The entire project cost is estimated to be approximately $29 million.. Caroline County will submit a VATI grant application for the remaining $8.2 million  prior to August 26th. Expansion of broadband service in the County is contingent on a successful VATI grant application. Citizens are urged to submit inquiries about this and current efforts to expand broadband service in the Port Royal, Balty Road and Penola Road areas by submitting the form at https://co.caroline.va.us/forms.aspx?FID=70 

How Can You Help?

In an effort to strengthen Caroline County’s application in what is certain to be a very competitive grant cycle, citizens are urged to send emails to broadband@carolinecountyva.gov to voice support for expansion efforts. Churches in Caroline County are also urged to send emails of support identifying  community meetings etc. that take place at their location that would benefit from having a broadband connection. One example may be if the  church is a meeting location for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ruritan Clubs, etc. or any other civic organization. Caroline County takes pride in our strong church community, and would like to express the need for all churches to have reliable internet service in our upcoming application. Time is short, so please assist us in this effort as soon as possible. 

Original source can be found here.