Gov Glenn Youngkin Announces More Than $41 Million in Virginia Telecommunication Initiative Grants

Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) announced more than $41 million in grants through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) for 10 broadband construction projects serving 20 localities throughout Virginia. The VATI program provides targeted funding to extend service to areas that are presently unserved by any broadband provider. The goal of VATI is to create strong, competitive communities throughout the Commonwealth by preparing those communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure. This year’s funding leverages more than $75.7 million additional funding from local governments and internet service providers. The Department of Housing and Community Development administers the VATI program, which provides targeted financial assistance to extend broadband service to areas that are currently unserved by a provider. Projects were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each project for demonstrated need and benefit for the community, applicant readiness and capacity, and the cost and leverage of the proposed project. The level of funding awarded is based on the infrastructure needs in the project area.  In this application round, DHCD received 25 applications requesting more than $170 million in VATI funding. Since 2017, Virginia has invested more than $850.3 million to connect over 388,000 homes, businesses and community anchors within 80 localities.