Accomack Board of Supervisors to develop MOU for internet expansion

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors agreed to authorize the County Administrator to develop a memorandum of understanding with the Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority to move into phase 2 of an agreement with the broadband authority to help expand broadband service to underserved areas. The Board approved of using up to $1.16 million in CARES act funding to increase the proliferation Broadband on the Eastern Shore.

Phase two will:

Provide $200,874 in funding to allow communities who have previously applied to the Eastern Shore Broadband Authority micro-communities program but who failed to qualify for assistance to be provided.
$537,391 to construct fiber along strategic sections of road that do not have fiber to the home availability.
$50,000 to set aside funding which will provide low and moderate-income individuals with assistance gaining access and to provide assistance to help cover installation costs.
$52,000 for the community assistance to the Redbank which will be needed if the current VATI application is not awarded by the Commonwealth.
$25,000 to complete preliminary engineering for the Captains Cove Area to apply for a state grant to improve service.

The County has existing funds derived from the CARES act to pay for this proposal.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the proposal.