RALEIGH, N.C. – Governor Josh Stein announced a $50 million Broadband Recovery Program that will provide grants to help internet service providers rebuild and repair broadband infrastructure destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Impacted internet service providers are invited to apply for funding.
βWe are working hard to rebuild western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, and that includes making sure folks have access to high-speed internet services,βΒ said Governor Josh Stein.
The program was made possible after Governor Stein signed legislation in August allocating funds to restore and strengthen high-speed internet access for communities in western North Carolina that suffered significant damage from the storm.
Under the new program, internet service providers with infrastructure projects in the 39 Hurricane Helene disaster-designated counties, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, may apply for funding for reconstruction or repair of broadband infrastructure needed to connect residents, businesses, and community institutions to reliable high-speed internet. The Broadband Recovery Program prioritizes funding for the restoration of broadband service.
Broadband providers may submit applications and estimated costs for the Broadband Recovery Program online by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 24 through NCDITβs Broadband Infrastructure Office Data Exchange.
