TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Broadband access in the Big Bend is set to undergo a significant expansion thanks to federal government funding. In a recent development, both Gadsden and Leon County have been awarded approximately $6 million each to enhance internet connectivity in the region.
The funds allocated to Leon County are part of The Florida Broadband Opportunity Program. With this investment, the county plans to extend its broadband network by approximately 300 miles, aiming to connect around 3,000 households to high-speed internet. The project is expected to commence construction as early as this summer, with completion projected by the end of 2026.
Gadsden County, on the other hand, will utilize the grant money received from the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program. This funding will be directed towards the renovation of the Cowen Public Library in Chattahoochee, which will house a telehealth center and a career center. Similar upgrades are also planned for a building in Havana, creating additional telehealth and career centers in the area.
Local officials have welcomed this investment as a positive development for the community. Gadsden County Commissioner Brenda Holt emphasized the importance of telemedicine access for rural areas. State representative Gallop Franklin highlighted the significance of bridging the digital divide, stressing that internet access has become essential for various activities such as education and job applications.
While this federal funding will undoubtedly contribute to improved broadband access in the Big Bend region, there remains work to be done. Franklin expressed the need for additional grant money to ensure that every household in Gadsden County can access high-speed internet services in the future.
This expansion of broadband infrastructure marks a significant step towards narrowing the digital divide in the Big Bend region. By increasing internet accessibility, individuals and communities can benefit from various online opportunities, including education, healthcare, and career development.
Broadband access – Dostęp do szerokopasmowego internetu.
Big Bend – Region w północnej Florydzie w Stanach Zjednoczonych.
Government funding – Finansowanie rządowe.
Gadsden County – Hrabstwo w północnej Florydzie.
Leon County – Hrabstwo w północnej Florydzie.
The Florida Broadband Opportunity Program – Program dostępu do szerokopasmowego internetu w stanie Floryda.
High-speed internet – Szybki internet.
Telehealth center – Centrum telemedycyny.
Career center – Centrum kariery.
Rural areas – Obszary wiejskie.
Digital divide – Cyfrowa przepaść, różnica w dostępie do technologii cyfrowej.
Grant money – Środki grantowe.
Education – Edukacja.
Job applications – Aplikacje o pracę.
Related links:
floridabroadband.org – Strona główna Florida Broadband Opportunity Program.
gadsdencountyfl.gov – Strona główna Gadsden County.
leoncountyfl.gov – Strona główna Leon County.
tcfl-libinfo.com – Informacje o Cowen Public Library w Chattahoochee.
havanaflorida.com – Strona główna miasta Havana.
The source of the article is from the blog j6simracing.com.br