Governor Northam Announces More Than $29.6 Million to Expand Broadband Access
RICHMOND Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Virginians living and working in 11 localities will gain access high-speed internet thanks to more than $29.6 million in grants awarded through the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI). The funding will support five projects, connecting more than 11,700 households, businesses, and anchor institutions to broadband service, and leveraging over $34 million in private and local investments.
Administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), VATI provides targeted financial assistance to extend broadband service to areas that are currently unserved by a provider. In his 2020 budget, Governor Northam made an historic investment of nearly $50 million in VATI funding. His proposed budget invests an additional $15 million in fiscal year 2022 to maintain this significant level of funding.
December 30th, 2020 Rob
Among the Closed Session topics covered was the replacement for E-911 Director Alan Bailey who officially resigned on December 26,2020. There was a request for hazard pay to be given to election officials who had worked during the Presidential Election. This request went on to specify two levels of hazard pay with precinct workers to be given $133, while both part time and full time individuals would be given $750. Hazard pay was approved during the Closed Session. Approval was not granted however, for the remainder of the funds to be distributed equally among Stone Mountain Health employees and the Health Department, Lee County Social Services, and Sheriff’s Office road deputies and bailiffs. The Board did approve hazard pay to all county employees though. They also granted $8,000 to the Pennington Gap Woman’s Club.