Governor Josh Stein Announces $50 Million Broadband Recovery Program to Rebuild High-Speed Internet Infrastructure in Western North Carolina

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. 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 NCDIT’s Broadband Infrastructure Office Data Exchange. Program guidance, eligibility requirements, and application materials are available at www.ncbroadband.gov/broadbandrecovery. Questions about the program can be sent to technicalassistance@nc.gov.