Governor Brian P. Kemp funded grants to expand high-speed internet in rural Georgia.

Howdy! I'm Luke Crawford, from Atlanta, Georgia, and I work provide my CRE friends with updates on developments in Georgia that directly influence our work.

The expansion of high-speed internet is one such news story that I believe deserves our attention. While sewer expansion is undoubtedly crucial, it's often the availability of high-speed internet that acts as a catalyst for growth in rural areas, making it an essential factor to consider.

Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced nearly $15 million in preliminary grant awards for broadband internet expansion in four Georgia counties through the Capital Projects Fund Grant Program.

These grants aim to improve connectivity for communities, households, businesses, and anchor institutions. The investment will be combined with capital matches from the awardees, totaling almost $30 million, and serving over 3,500 locations in areas with a high demand for high-speed internet access.

This initiative builds upon the state's efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide professional and educational opportunities to rural communities.

The Capital Projects Fund Grant Program was established in August 2022, utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, and is focused on addressing the needs of unserved and underserved counties in Georgia.

You can read more about these grants by reading Gov. Kemp’s press release here.