Montgomery, AL – In a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey commenced her broadband tour at Oakman Middle School in Walker County on Tuesday. The governor, alongside key officials and leaders, shared updates on the statewide progress in the ambitious initiative to expand high-speed internet access.
“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,” Governor Ivey emphasized. “I’m proud to say that we’re making great progress across the state, providing more Alabamians with the infrastructural resources required for 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.”
Accompanying Governor Ivey at the event were notable figures such as Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell, state Rep. Matt Woods, state Rep. Tim Wadsworth, and Oakman Mayor Cory Franks.
The gathering addressed the allocation of nearly $12 million in grant and matching funds for completed broadband projects, benefiting over 2,200 residents in Walker County who were previously unserved. The success of the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF), funded by the Alabama Legislature, was a focal point of discussion.
ABAF supports targeted projects in communities lacking high-speed internet access. Through grants awarded by ADECA, internet service providers execute projects connecting households, businesses, libraries, schools, and other community anchor institutions to broadband infrastructure.
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed expressed his commitment, stating, “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.”
Since 2018, Alabama has invested approximately $82 million in state dollars through ABAF grant awards, supporting over 100 projects. Upon completion, these projects will make broadband service available to more than 72,000 households, businesses, and community institutions in Alabama.
“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,” remarked Director Kenneth Boswell. “None of these would be possible without the leadership of Governor Kay Ivey and the support of our Legislature.”
To stay informed about Alabama’s efforts to expand high-speed internet access, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Be Linked Alabama website. This hub provides internet expansion information, the Alabama Broadband Map, county profiles, dashboards, and statewide broadband news.
