Governor Northam recently announced $29.6 million in VATI awards to 5 projects, connecting 11,743 Virginia homes and businesses. Congratulations to the winning projects and we look forward to seeing more of Virginia get connected. These awards are for the first round of the FY21 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) and the list of winning projects are below.
Remaining VATI applications are still under consideration and may be eligible to re-scope if there is overlap with the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). The re-scope deadline is February 8 and applicants can reach out to vati@dhcd.virginia.gov for questions or application assistance. The second round of awards are expected to be announced in the weeks after the February 8 deadline.
Round One FY2021 VATI grants
Botetourt County and Lumos
$1,364,337
Botetourt County, through a partnership with internet service provider Lumos, will extend its broadband network in the county. The project will bring broadband access to 548 serviceable units, including 30 businesses, through the construction of 59 miles of fiber-optic cable.
Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission and Point Broadband
$16,285,217
Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission will construct 1,312 miles of fiber through a partnership with Point Broadband. The project includes the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell and will provide access to 8,335 serviceable units, including 82 businesses.
LENOWISCO Planning District Commission and Scott County Telephone Cooperative
$1,230,563
LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, in partnership with Scott County Telephone Cooperative, will construct 73 miles of fiber at gigabit speeds in Lee County, and provide access to 679 total serviceable units.
Mecklenburg County and EMPOWER Broadband
$449,381
Mecklenburg County will construct over 22 miles of fiber in partnership with EMPOWER Broadband. The project will connect 414 serviceable units to broadband at gigabit speeds, including 12 businesses.
Northern Neck Planning District Commission and All Points Broadband
$10,288,069.82
Northern Neck Planning District Commission, in partnership with All Points Broadband, will construct a regional network that will provide gigabit-capable, fiber-to-the-home broadband to unserved locations in the counties of King George, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland. The project will provide access to 1,767 total serviceable units, including 31 businesses.