Words and Cover Image special to The Walker Leader Additional Images courtesy of Hal Yeager / Office of the Governor
On Tuesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey kicked off her Broadband Tour at Oakman Middle School, where she announced the statewide progress in expanding high-speed internet.
Governor Ivey was accompanied by Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell, state Representative Matt Woods, state Representative Tim Wadsworth, and Oakman Mayor Corey Franks.
The speakers discussed the allocation of nearly $12 million in grant and matching funds for completed broadband projects, facilitating connectivity for over 2,200 residents in Walker County who currently lack service. This funding is made possible by the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF).
ABAF, funded by the Alabama Legislature, aids targeted projects in communities lacking high-speed internet access. Administered by ADECA, these funds empower internet service providers to implement projects connecting individual households, businesses, and community anchor institutions like libraries and schools to broadband infrastructure.
“We live in a digital world, and there is a necessity for broadband access. Students depend on the internet to do homework, people rely on telehealth services for their everyday healthcare needs, and small business owners depend on high-speed internet to make a living,” said Governor Ivey. “Here in Alabama, we recognize that need, which is why we make providing all Alabamians the ability to access high-speed internet a real priority.”
Governor Ivey explained that the mission to provide all Alabamians with the ability to access high-speed internet is no small feat, and there is still a long way to go. However, the journey has been made possible by the diligent work of elected officials like Reed, Woods, and Wadsworth. Ivey also commended Boswell for his efforts in carefully targeting granted funds to achieve the best possible results.
Woods, a native of Oakman, expressed his appreciation to Governor Ivey and Director Boswell for visiting Oakman and for their work in providing its underserved and unserved citizens with Broadband access.
“This is a proud community made up of hardworking men and women who are trying to build a better future for their families… Oakman and towns like it all over the state of Alabama need a chance to enjoy the same amenities and quality of life as their neighbors, and thanks to the legislators’ foresight and the support of Governor Ivey and ADECA Director Boswell, that is exactly what we are working toward, and it is something worth celebrating today.” WL
Those interested in learning more about Alabama’s efforts to improve high-speed internet access may visit https://broadband.alabama.gov/
