A Staff Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A groundbreaking announcement came recently from Senator Thom Tillis, bringing an electrifying boost to Bladen County’s digital landscape. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has paved the way for $24.9 million to flow into North Carolina’s heartland, bringing with it the promise of a cutting-edge fiber-to-the-premises network that will ignite high-speed internet access for our community.
This game-changing network is set to empower 2,674 locals, 84 local enterprises, 117 farms that sustain our land, and four educational institutions across Bladen, Columbus, and Sampson Counties.
This announcement amplifies the impact of the $1.53 billion previously secured in June under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. According to officials, this additional funding will turbocharge North Carolina’s mission to break down barriers to high-speed internet, utilizing strategic planning, robust infrastructure deployment, and innovative adoption initiatives.
Senator Tillis, a steadfast advocate for the people of Bladen County, expressed his pride in this monumental achievement: “I’m proud to have worked on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will deliver more than $24.9 million to expand access to high-speed internet in Bladen, Columbus, and Sampson Counties.” He added, “This critical investment will help bridge the digital divide for North Carolina’s rural communities and deploy the resources that families need and deserve.”
As Bladen County looks to the future, Senator Tillis’ work leads to a path toward connectivity, opportunity, and prosperity for all.
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