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Bland County backs regional VATI broadband application, pledges $459,764 in ARC funds
Summary
The Bland County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting a regional Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) application with Pulaski and Montgomery counties and committed $459,764 in ARC Power Grant funds to the project to expand broadband access.
The Bland County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution Aug. 30 supporting a regional application to the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) to extend broadband service across parts of the region, and committed $459,764 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Power Grant funds toward the effort.
The board acted on a motion by Supervisor Adam Kidd, seconded by Supervisor Karen Hodock, that authorized Bland County’s participation in a joint grant application with Pulaski and Montgomery counties. County staff were authorized to take necessary steps to apply the county’s ARC allocation to the regional project.
The resolution notes the effort is a joint regional application to VATI, a state program that awards funding to local and regional broadband expansion proposals. The board’s unanimous vote signals Bland County’s financial support and intent to partner with neighboring jurisdictions on the application.
The board did not provide additional details in the minutes about the geographic scope of the proposed build or the expected timeline. Funding and implementation will depend on the regional application, award decisions by VATI, and subsequent project planning.
The county announced the next regular meeting is set for Sept. 28, 2021; no public comments were recorded at the Aug. 30 meeting.
