Warner & Kaine Applaud More Than $1.5 Million for High-Speed Broadband in Rural Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine applauded $1,532,367 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide broadband service to rural areas in Virginia through the ReConnect Program, to which Congress allocated $550 million. The funding will be used to install a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network that will connect 1,964 residents, 34 businesses, 27 farms, a fire station, and two post offices to high-speed broadband internet in Brunswick and Halifax counties.

“Broadband isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” said the Senators. “Staying connected has never been more important, as Virginians are increasingly reliant on broadband internet to safely access medical care and keep up with their education. That’s why we’re glad to see these federal dollars go toward helping connect people in rural Virginia.” 

Senators Warner and Kaine have been strong supporters of expanding broadband access in the Commonwealth. In 2018, both Warner and Kaine fought to secure funding for the ReConnect Program, and other federal programs that are critical to improving broadband access across Virginia. Earlier this year, Warner and Kaine introduced legislation to help ensure adequate home internet connectivity for K-12 students during the coronavirus pandemic. They have also pushed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to bolster its Lifeline program to keep students connected. Sen. Warner has also introduced comprehensive broadband infrastructure legislation to expand access to affordable high-speed internet for all Americans, as well as legislation to promote broadband in underserved areas. 

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