Federal grant provides funding for District 3 broadband expansion in Charles City

A check for more than $2.6 million is presented to Charles City County for the expansion of broadband in District 3 of the county. Pictured are (l to r) District 2 Supervisor Bill Coada, District 3 Supervisor Byron Adkins Sr., U.S. House of Representative Del. A. Donald McEachin, and Charles City County Administrator Michelle Johnson.

Andre' Jones photo

Broadband and internet connectivity has become a necessity instead of a luxury for today’s society. A federal grant presented to Charles City County Tuesday morning will provide more homeowners and businesses the opportunity to expand their services.

United States House of Representatives Delegate A. Donald McEachin presented a $2,643,508 grant for broadband expansion in District 3 of the county. The grant is part of $19.1 million in projects granted to McEachin’s 4th Congressional District.

Charles City was the recipient of the Virginia Technology Initiative (VATI) grant that saw Comcast install more than $5 million in fiber optic cables. Most of that route covered District 1 and District 2 within the county, while District 3, which is more spatial, didn’t receive as much coverage.

Discussions to resolve the issue began with former District 3 supervisor Lewis Black III. That project was handed down to current District 3 supervisor Byron Adkins Sr., who took over and spoke with McEachin about the needs.

“It all started with a convo in June,” Adkins said Tuesday morning. “I told him that District 3 had needs.”

Those needs resulted in county staff, led by County Administrator Michelle Johnson, to create a broadband plan for McEachin to share with fellow congressional members. McEachin said that his bond with the county was a reason that he wanted to push the project for financial backing.

“This county has lifted me up since 1996,” McEachin commented. “This is the only county that I have represented on every level from the local level to the state level and now at this level.”

McEachin admitted that the task was tough as he didn’t know which projects would be supported under his $19.1 million proposal for his area.

“You have to really have a labor of love both politically and socially to do this,” the delegate continued, emphasizing his love for representing Charles City. “Every time I enter Charles City County whether it’s from Route 5 or Interstate 64, I come here and feel like I’m home.

“This project was personal,” McEachin added. “I know the history of broadband and it is a necessity, especially after COVID. Everybody needs it and I don’t want Charles City left out. Give credit to the Charles City staff for making this happen, because it’s been 10 years since Congress took a hiatus on these matters. But through arguments, petitions, and making it through the committee, it was advocated for and approved and I’m glad to be able to help.”

For Johnson, she credited her staff while saying the new funds are a welcome addition to aid the community.

“This is just going to bridge the gap further to bring reliable internet to the county,” the county administrator commented. “We will become closer to providing services that will assist with education, the work force, and small businesses in the county.”

Johnson confirmed that preliminary talks about the timeline of the project have started, but also said that even with the grant, the county wouldn’t be completely covered for broadband services.

“I can say that because the infrastructure is now in place, this plan will be expedited and will be faster than when we received the VATI grant,” Johnson concluded.

An ecstatic Adkins was gracious for the new monetary funds to assist the district he represents.

“This is a great opportunity and one of the best opportunities for District 3,” he commented. “This project will provide a clear and bright future for the county for generations to come.

“I applaud Delegate McEachin for remembering our county, especially those residents of District 3,” Adkins concluded.

A timeline of the project is expected to take place at the April Board of Supervisors meeting.