Broadband Project Wrapping Up in Blue Ridge, Bringing Service to 62 Addresses
Broadband service has been extended to 62 addresses in the Blue Ridge community through a Virginia Telecommunication Initiative grant project that is nearing completion this year.
In 2024, Botetourt County received $395,411 in VATI funding for the project, which has a total cost of $627,636. The remaining project costs are being covered through contributions from Comcast and Botetourt County.
The project is being completed in partnership with Comcast and is part of the County’s ongoing effort to expand reliable broadband access to residents and businesses in areas that previously lacked service.
The VATI program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, provides funding to extend broadband service to areas that are unserved or underserved by broadband providers.
The Blue Ridge project is the fourth successful VATI project in Botetourt County. Previous projects have provided broadband service to approximately 3,070 addresses throughout the county.
Comcast is also pursuing and working on additional grant-funded broadband projects in Botetourt County as efforts continue to expand access to reliable internet service.
The County is also working with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and internet service providers to identify additional funding opportunities for remaining unserved areas. That includes exploring funding through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, with a focus on achieving broader coverage in the county, including communities in Botetourt.
The VATI awards were announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin on July 24, 2024. The Commonwealth awarded more than $41 million in VATI grants for 10 broadband projects serving 20 localities.
For Botetourt County, the Blue Ridge project represents another step toward the County’s long-term goal of making reliable broadband service available to every residence and business.
Reliable internet access supports education, telework, access to government and health services, and economic development opportunities for residents and businesses.
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