Localities can apply for funding to support expansion of high-speed, broadband internet RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Virginia is allocating $30 million in funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to improve broadband access in underserved localities. Localities must apply for the funding, and eligible projects are those able to be completed within the time constraints on spending federal dollars, which means more Virginians could get connected to high-speed, broadband internet by the end of the year. “Broadband is to today’s economy like electricity was generations ago—when you have it, you can get ahead,” said Governor Northam. “High-speed internet is essential for students to connect to education, business to connect to the wider world, and citizens to connect to work. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this even more clear, as so much of our lives have moved to virtual platforms. Since day one of our administration, we have made it a priority to increase access to broadband, and I am pleased that we can help more Virginians make those connections now, when they are needed most.” The State Council of Higher Education in Virginia estimates that 200,000 K-12 students and 60,000 college students in Virginia lack access to broadband at home. Universal broadband access has been a priority for the Northam administration, which has worked to support broadband infrastructure projects capable of connecting more than 108,000 homes and businesses. Governor Northam’s current budget proposals include $85 million in investments for broadband infrastructure.  “Any part of Virginia without broadband risks being left behind in our increasingly digital world,” said Senator Jennifer Boysko, Chairwoman of the Broadband Advisory Council. “This initiative will speed up the work of connecting every corner of Virginia, so that everyone has access to opportunity.” “Broadband access is a matter of equity, as the pandemic and the rise in virtual meetings and classes demonstrate,” said Delegate Roslyn Tyler, Vice Chairwoman of the Broadband Advisory Council. “Getting broadband access to rural and urban Virginia helps to ensure that everyone in Virginia moving forward together, and I applaud the Governor for devoting CARES Act funding to this critical priority.” The CARES Act funding allocated to this initiative is separate from other broadband funding streams. Localities are encouraged to creatively address the digital divide, including projects that address infrastructure or the cost of broadband services.   The follow are examples of eligible projects. Projects not listed below, but related to broadband and telecommunications expansion will also be considered. Broadband infrastructure capable of delivering a minimum of 25Mbps/3Mbps to Virginians currently unserved, with limited overbuilding of existing infrastructure. Broadband service connection costs for passings or property with high cost for individual connections, no greater than $10,000 per connection. Examples of such connections are for passings with long driveways, on a private road, or that have costs associated with a rail or highway crossing. Cellular transmission equipment for parts of the Commonwealth without cell service.  The program will launch Friday, October 9, and only localities are eligible to apply for funding. Additional information will be provided to local chief administrative officers. Detailed program and application information will be made available at commonwealthconnect.virginia.gov.

Funding will provide housing stability, assist small businesses with rent and mortgage payments, costs incurred to safely reopen RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced more than $1.7 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for three projects in James City and York counties and the city of Williamsburg that will assist local governments and community partners in meeting the needs of Virginia families and small businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “The Peninsula is among the areas of our Commonwealth hardest hit by the financial impacts of this pandemic, in part because of the tourism-driven economies that they rely on every year,” said Governor Northam. “By directing CDBG funding towards these projects, we will ensure more Virginians can stay in their homes and help businesses can keep their lights on as we weather this public health crisis.”  Since 1982, the federally funded CDBG program has been administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Virginia receives funding annually to distribute to small cities, towns, and counties, and funding is allocated among local government applicants through an open submission application process using objective scoring criteria developed in consultation with eligible localities. Large cities and counties receive a direct allocation of CDBG resources from the federal government, so the state-administered funds must focus on smaller and more rural regions of the Commonwealth. This year, more than $20.4 million has been distributed to communities across Virginia through the CDBG program. DHCD reallocated existing CDBG funding to assist with COVID-19 response and recovery activities. Funding can be used for: Construction or rehab of structures for shelters Testing or equipment manufacturing Training programs for healthcare workers or service industry jobs transitioning to food or pharmaceutical delivery systems Acquisition costs for telework or telemedicine services Job creation or business development for manufacturing of COVID-related materials Business assistance for job training or re-tooling business services to reopen and adapt in a new environment Small business recovery funds for rent and mortgage assistance Personal protective equipment, sanitization, dining equipment, and barrier devices to meet social distancing requirements “Access to this type of grant funding is more important than ever for many of Virginia’s communities right now,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “This realignment of funds is an innovative approach to addressing the needs of many Virginians, and we will continue to move Virginia forward.” The following projects will receive CDBG funding: Housing Assistance Program $348,104 James City County This project will provide financial assistance and ongoing housing counseling with support services to eligible individuals, including those that have recently become unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism industry has been heavily impacted by business closures, and James City County has seen a large increase in unemployment, furloughed employees, and a decline in seasonal hires. The funding will target housing and financial stabilization through rent and/or utility payments, as well as ongoing housing and financial counseling for 54 households that have been directly impacted by COVID-19. Emergency Housing and Food Assistance for Homeless and Low- to Moderate-Income Individuals $165,203 City of Williamsburg The city of Williamsburg has partnered with Colonial Williamsburg and a local hotel to provide lodging and isolation space for 50 individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the city will support approximately 75 households with rental assistance and provide approximately 1,200 bags of fresh produce and prepared meals to families. Lower Peninsula Business Assistance Program $1,230,000 York County York County and the cities of Poquoson and Williamsburg will utilize CDBG funds to assist more than 200 Lower Peninsula businesses with the costs associated with reopening safely, many of which are tourism or retail and have remained closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. York County will be the lead applicant and administer this business recovery grant in partnership with both cities. Businesses can receive up to $5,000 for rent relief and equipment purchases to help businesses re-open safely and in accordance with state procedures. This region is home to many hotels, restaurants, and service and entertainment businesses typically supported by the many tourism attractions that have had their normal operations disrupted by the pandemic.