USDA-RD Announces $5.2 Million in Community Connect Grants for Rural NC

Raleigh, NC - Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight and state and local officials traveled to rural areas in North Carolina to make announcements for the Community Connect Grants program totaling $5.2 million on December 21st.

Community Connect Grants were awarded to FOCUS Broadband and Star Telephone Membership Corporation. These grants provide financial assistance for broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not exist.

At 9 a.m. Speight was at 4823 Barker Ten Mile Road in Lumberton:

FOCUS Broadband was awarded a $2.9 million Community Connect Grant to construct an approximately 60 mile Fiber-to-the Premises system.

This system will expand access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for 2.5 thousand residents and 19 businesses in the communities of Robeson County. Funds also will help build a community center where residents can access the free high-speed internet for up to two years.

At 1 p.m. Speight was at 1204 N US Hwy 421 in Clinton:

Star Telephone Membership Corporation was awarded a $2.3 million Community Connect Grant to construct an approximately 120 mile Fiber-to-the Premises system.

This system will expand access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for 1.8 thousand residents and 15 businesses in Sampson County. Funds also will help build a community center where residents can access the free high-speed internet for up to two years.