Gov Kemp Announces Over $400 Million in Awards to Provide Broadband Access in Georgia

Gov Brian Kemp (R-GA), joined by members of the Broadband Infrastructure Committee and state leaders, announced almost $408 million in preliminary awards which will provide communities, households, and businesses in 70 Georgia counties access to faster and more reliable broadband. These 49 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant projects represent an investment of more than $738 million in Georgia when matching funds are contributed. On June 29, 2021, Gov Kemp announced members of the Georgia Jobs and Infrastructure Committees. The Broadband Infrastructure Committee, specifically, was responsible for making necessary investment recommendations to the Governor to provide unserved or underserved locations with faster, more reliable broadband access. This most recent announcement represents the initial phase of the rollout. The state is now in a due diligence posture, collecting tangible information and working with grantees to maximize our ability to serve the most Georgians in the highest-need areas. As the due diligence phase wraps up based on final ARPA guidance from the United States Treasury and project awards are finalized, there is potential opportunity to repurpose or leverage other federal funds to address areas that may not have been addressed with these awards.