RALEIGH, N.C.- Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight and state and local officials will be traveling to make announcements for the Community Connect Grants program totaling $5.2 million on December 21.  

Community Connect Grants will be awarded to Atlantic Telephone Membership Corporation and Star Telephone Membership Corporation.

Community Connect Grants provide financial assistance to eligible applicants to provide broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not exist.

At 9 am Speight will be at 4823 Barker Ten Mile Road in Lumberton:

Atlantic Telephone Membership Corporation will use a $2.9 million Community Connect Grant to construct an approximately 60 mile Fiber-to-the Premises system.

This system will expand access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for 2.5 thousand residents and 19 businesses in the communities of Robeson County. Funds also will help refurbish a community center where residents can access the free high-speed internet for up to two years.

At 1 pm Speight will be at 1204 N US Hwy 421 in Clinton:

Star Telephone Membership Corporation will use a $2.3 million Community Connect Grant to construct an approximately 120 mile Fiber-to-the Premises system. 

This system will expand access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for 1.8 thousand residents and 15 businesses in Sampson County.  Funds also will help build a community center where residents can access the free high-speed internet for up to two years.

If you are interested in attending this event please email robert.kerns2@usda.gov by close of business Monday December 20.