OAKMAN – Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday kicked off her broadband tour at Oakman Middle School in Walker County, announcing the statewide progress being made in expanding high-speed internet.
“As I’ve said many times, our mission to give all Alabamians the ability to access high-speed internet is a journey, not a short trip,” Ivey said. “I’m proud to say that we’re making great progress across the state, providing more Alabamians with the infrastructural resources required when it comes to 21st century success in education, health care, business and the normalcies of everyday life. Expanding our digital infrastructure remains a critical priority for the Ivey Administration.”
At Tuesday’s event, Governor Ivey was joined by Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell, state Rep. Matt Woods, state Rep. Tim Wadsworth and Oakman Mayor Cory Franks.
The speakers addressed the nearly $12 million in grant and matching funds committed for broadband projects which have been completed to give more than 2,200 residents, who are currently unserved, the ability to be connected in Walker County. Additionally, the overall success of the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF) was discussed.
ABAF, which is funded by the Alabama Legislature, supports targeted projects in communities in need of high-speed internet access. These funds, awarded by ADECA, give internet service providers the ability to execute projects that connect individual households, businesses, community anchor institutions such as libraries and schools, and others to broadband infrastructure.
“Through programs we funded in the Alabama Legislature, our state has been able to complete multiple broadband projects in Walker County, with many more currently underway,” Reed said. “Our unconnected residents need high-speed internet access, and it is imperative that the state of Alabama continues to support projects that give Alabamians the opportunities created by bridging the digital divide. I’ve been proud to support efforts to expand high-speed internet access in the Alabama Senate, and I look forward to continuing working to give Alabamians the access they need.”
Wadsworth emphasized the need for high-speed internet in rural areas.
“My district covers the rural parts of Walker County. And one thing that you have in rural Alabama is that you may have a house one mile and a mile away another house. It’s very difficult to get high speed internet in those areas. Providing these funds is a monstrous achievement,” Wadsworth said.
Woods, an Oakman native, thanked Ivey for her work on expanding broadband throughout the state, but especially in his home county.
“It can change a person’s life by allowing them to participate in the digital economy, allowing them to work from home, access their children’s education and enjoy the amenities and securities that only come from having a connected smart home,” Woods said. “Today is a great day for Walker County and the thousands of households that are going to be able to be impacted through the efforts that we are celebrating.”
Franks said the impact on Tuesday’s announcement would be felt for generations.
“This is a great day for our community and we’re thankful for all that the governor does for us, as well as our representatives,” he said. “Broadband is going to change the lives of many of our communities throughout rural Alabama, and especially here in Walker County. It took a pandemic for us to realize just how unprepared we were when it comes to high-speed Internet.”
Since 2018, Alabama has invested approximately $82 million in state dollars through grant awards supporting more than 100 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund projects awarded to date have been completed, access to broadband service will be available to more than 72,000 Alabama households, businesses and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe.
“I’m proud of the efforts we have made at ADECA to support critical broadband projects across the state like the ones happening here in Walker County. None of these would be possible without the leadership of Governor Kay Ivey and the support of our Legislature,” Boswell said. “They recognize this critical need and have worked to address it. We still have more to accomplish, but with continued support, Alabama will reach its goal to get all of our citizens connected.”
Alabamians interested in learning more about what the state is doing to expand high-speed internet access are encouraged to visit the Be Linked Alabama website, a hub of internet expansion information and news. It includes the Alabama Broadband Map, county profiles and dashboards and statewide broadband news.
Be Linked Alabama represents the state’s united effort to expand access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. As Alabama works toward achieving the goal of high-speed internet access for all, the statewide initiative is coordinated by ADECA and brings together partners from across the state, including Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, research institutions, utility companies, community leaders and the public.
