Georgia Set to Receive $408 Million to Expand Digital learning and Education in Rural Georgia
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is one of the most sweeping pieces of legislation in decades that will create good-paying union jobs, tackle the climate crisis, and grow the economy from the bottom up and the middle out.
A giant investment in rural internet service announced Tuesday, Feb 2, 2022, will wire/connect over 132,000 homes and businesses across Georgia that currently lack access, connecting more than a quarter of the state’s locations that aren’t yet online.
Gov. Brian Kemp said the $408 million in COVID-19 relief money will fund internet expansion (https://www.ajc.com/politics/gaping-internet-holes-exposed-in-georgia-amid-coronavirus/5AJRZFG6EZACPOAL56AZACRXZY/) projects in 70 counties where residents have little or no options for internet service, a necessity for business, health and education.
The funding will target areas where locations are so spread out that it’s unprofitable for internet companies to provide connections. Grant money will be provided to 49 recipients, including local electric membership cooperatives (https://www.ajc.com/politics/fast-rural-internet-to-be-built-by-middle-georgia-power-companies/732VLAZZ55C7XPGGSMNH7AAGHM/) and local governments that will partner with internet service providers.
