Senator Reverend Warnock Secures Broadband Planning Grant, First Step to Securing Millions in Broadband Investments For Georgia under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Today, Senator Reverend Warnock announced he secured a $5 million planning grant for Georgia ahead of millions in federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the Senator championed

Researchers estimate that Georgia could receive up to $2 billion in broadband funding through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

More than 480,000 homes and businesses lack access to acceptable quality broadband

Senator Warnock is a champion for bringing robust federal investments in broadband access to Georgians across the state

Senator Reverend Warnock: “I’ve long championed efforts to strengthen broadband access, and I look forward to ensuring Georgians receive as much funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as possible so that all Georgians have access to the reliable broadband they need in order to thrive in our growing economy”

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) announced he secured a $5 million planning grant for Georgia, the first step for Georgia to receive significant broadband investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Under the infrastructure law, states must submit a statewide broadband plan for approval by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Independent researchers have estimated that Georgia could receive up to $2 billion in federal funding to expand broadband access under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senator Warnock championed. More than 480,000 homes and businesses in Georgia lack access to high-speed, reliable broadband according to the state’s assessment from 2021.

“Hardworking Georgia families need reliable internet access for their jobs, education, health care and so much more,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’ve long championed efforts to strengthen broadband access, and I look forward to ensuring Georgians receive as much funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as possible so that all Georgians have access to the reliable broadband they need in order to thrive in our growing economy.”

Senator Warnock is a champion for bringing robust federal investments in broadband access to Georgians across the state. He recently introduced bipartisan legislation that will encourage broadband development, especially in rural areas, by preventing certain grants from being considered taxable income. He has secured more than $570 million in federal funding to bolster Georgia’s broadband infrastructure. Last year, Senator Warnock hosted Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel in Jackson County where he took her to meet directly with parents, students, and local officials about their broadband needs and the challenges they face. He also received a commitment from Rosenworcel to connect every Georgian to affordable and reliable broadband. In addition, Senator Warnock is working to bring more affordable broadband to more Georgians through the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

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