MONTGOMERY – Spectrum Southeast has been awarded a $2.9 million grant to expand high-speed internet access in Etowah County, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.

The grant will support of a project to make high-speed internet available to 352 previously unserved households, businesses and community institutions in the Ridgeville area.

“This project in Etowah County is another step toward my goal of providing high-speed internet access to rural communities throughout Alabama,” Ivey said. “Expanding broadband access is leading to better outcomes and opportunities in education, health care, business and other areas of life.”

The grant money is being made available through the Capital Projects Fund program, which is supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The grant will be administered by the Alabama Digital Expansion Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

“High-speed internet is a necessity in today’s world, and it has been exciting to see so many unserved areas in Alabama gain access to it,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I am honored to join Gov. Ivey in carrying out a mission that continues to improve people’s lives in numerous ways.”

Since 2018, Gov. Ivey has awarded grants to support more than 200 broadband expansion projects across the state. Once all projects are completed, they will have the ability to provide access to more than 142,000 households, businesses and institutions like hospitals, schools and libraries.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.