SW Virginia News

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has allocated a $5 million grant to Citizens Telephone Cooperative. The grant is aimed at establishing a fiber-to-the-premises network that will benefit residents and businesses in Carroll County. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) commented on the initiative, stating, "Carroll County stands to benefit from increased access to broadband services."

He further elaborated, "This USDA Rural Development grant for $5 million helps Citizens Telephone Cooperative institute a fiber-to-the-premises network for individuals and businesses in Carroll County."

The funding is part of the USDA Rural Development Community Connect Program, which supports broadband service expansion in rural areas where it is currently unavailable. This program targets economically challenged communities.

Citizens Telephone Cooperative operates across 12 counties and three cities in Southwest Virginia. The cooperative recently celebrated the completion of a 6.5-year project bringing fiber-to-the-home service to all residents in Floyd County.

Congressman Griffith has been an advocate for enhanced broadband access within the Ninth District. He participated in discussions with the Communications & Technology Subcommittee and engaged with officials from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Additionally, he has been involved in supporting Virginia's Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program initiated by Governor Youngkin.