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Empower Broadband reports near‑complete fiber build in Halifax, eyes BEAD/ARPA funding to reach isolated pockets
Summary
An Empower Broadband representative told the Halifax board the company is nearly finished on several grant projects covering roughly 7,970 Halifax addresses and is awaiting BEAD funding to serve about 2,183 additional locations; the presenter cited completion rates and subscriber growth and said ARPA and state oversight are part of the funding plan.
An Empower Broadband representative briefed the Halifax County Board of Supervisors on June 30 on the company’s ongoing fiber expansion across Southside Virginia and within Halifax County.
The presenter said the VI 2022 project covered about 4,854 addresses and is 98.7% complete; subsequent 2023 and 2024 projects added roughly 1,893 and 1,223 addresses, both reported at about 97–98% completion. Taken together across county projects the speaker said roughly 7,970 Halifax addresses now have access to high‑speed fiber, and that the regional Empower network is approaching 10,000 subscribers.
Empower reported it has applied for and received notice of a federal BEAD (BEAD/BEET) growth award to serve approximately 2,183 additional Halifax addresses and is awaiting final approval to begin construction on those pockets. The presenter said the BEAD funding and some ARPA allocations are part of the county’s overall plan for remaining unserved locations, and that the company and county staff meet regularly with the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Southside Planning District Commission to track milestones and compliance with grant deadlines.
Board members asked about timelines and funding. Empower representatives said some projects are scheduled for completion in fall 2027 and earlier pockets will be opened as construction and network ties finish; ARPA resources are integrated into planning, and the company said it and county staff meet monthly to track progress. A supervisor thanked the company for progress and noted temporary construction disruption (driveway access) during installations.
The board did not take action on the update; it was informational. County staff and Empower will continue coordination on BEAD approval, ARPA spending timelines and subscriber outreach.
