Black Belt communities receiving broadband technical assistance

Multiple Black Belt communities and some of its neighboring counties are set to benefit from a Broadband Technical Assistance initiative via the South Central Alabama Broadband Cooperative District (SCABCD). 

The initiative is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Broadband Technical Assistance Program.

"High (speed) internet access stimulates economic growth, lowers health care costs, improves access to education and strengthens community ties to needed services - making it a necessity, not a luxury, that should be accessible to all," said a press release from SCABCD. 

Communities to receive assistance are: 

Bullock County: Fitzpatrick and Midway, Butler County: Georgiana and McKenzie, Choctaw County: Needham, Conecuh County: Castleberry and Evergreen, Dallas County: Selmon-west, Sardis, Tyler, and Valley Grande, Escambia County: Brewton, East Brewton, and Riverview, Greene County: Boligee, Hale County: Greensboro, Lowndes County: Benton, Farmersville, Braggs, Minter, Lowndes, and Tyler, Macon County: Franklin and Fort Davis, Marengo County: Nanafalia, Providence, Putnam, and Sweetwater, Perry County: Union Town, Pickens County: Aliceville, Carrollton, Gordo, McMullen, Memphis, Pickensville, and Reform, Sumter County: Bellamy, Emelle, Epes, Gainsville, Geiger, Livingston, and Panola, Wilcox County: Oak Hill, Pine Apple, and Vredenburg.

"As billions of dollars in once-in-a-generation federal funding for broadband infrastructure begin to flow to community projects, SCABCD wants to ensure that resources, peer support, and capital reach the communities that need it most," SCABCD further states.

"We invite community stakeholders and local leaders to join us in this important investment in your neighborhood to create more equitable access and opportunity for all."

Those who want to participate in the community assessment process are asked to take a speed test at https://register.broadband.scabcd.com.