Appomattox among counties to benefit from broadband grant

PALMYRA, Va. – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the award of $12.2 million in Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant funding to Firefly Fiber Broadband, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative.

The funding will support the $48.6 million project, in partnership with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Dominion Energy, and county governments, to provide universal access to gigabit-speed broadband service for unserved homes and businesses across 10 counties in Central Virginia.

The fiber construction project will span approximately two years, covering 603 miles and reaching nearly 6,000 additional eligible locations in the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, Madison, and Powhatan.

“Thanks to the critical funding provided by the Virginia General Assembly and made available through the VATI program, we can now assure that every family and business in central Virginia will have access to reliable, affordable internet service equivalent to the best in the United States,” said Gary Wood, Firefly president and CEO. “We appreciate the hard work and support of Governor Youngkin, General Assembly members, as well as the support of the supervisors in each of the partner counties.”

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