Alabama News
Governor Kay Ivey has awarded nearly $17 million to help provide broadband services in primarily rural, unserved areas of Alabama.
The 36 grants awarded by Governor Ivey to multiple broadband providers across the state is the largest amount and number awarded to date from the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. The fund was created by the Alabama Legislature in 2018.
“The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced what we already knew; that Alabama’s broadband coverage is an issue we must continue addressing,” Governor Ivey said. “Yet, thanks to so many, we are making strides in helping to provide high-speed internet coverage throughout the state. That will make a vast difference for thousands in terms of education, economic development, health care services and everyday life.”
Alabama 117 between Mentone and Valley Head remains closed as a precaution, pending further investigation and repair of a landslide below the roadway on the side of Lookout Mountain.
It closed April 1 following landslide after heavy rains, according to Seth Burkett, the Alabama Department of Transportation’s public information officer for the northern region. ALDOT’s ALGOtraffic.com website lists the road as closed until noon on April 30. That does not, however, necessarily mean that it will remain closed for that long.
Burkett said drill crews have taken samples from the impacted area and surveyors will inspect the landslide today.
Mentone residents are making the best of a bad situation.