ARP Broadband Grant – VEC Update
In September, VEC was awarded four grants through the State of Tennessee to provide fiber optic broadband service to VEC members living in Bradley and Polk Counties. The four grants totaled over $13 million dollars and will provide new service to 1,421 homes/businesses in Bradley County, and 1,899 homes/business in Polk County. Two applications were awarded in Bradley County, one in the Hopewell area and another in the Chatata Valley area. Two applications were also awarded in Polk County, including most areas north of Benton. The zones of service included in the award are shown on the fiber area map and are labeled Mount Zion, Old Freewill, Owl Hollow, White Oak, Tasso A, Tasso B, Chestuee Road, Baker Bridge Road, Dentville, Luskville, Grove Road, and North Polk.
Any address inside of a red polygon will receive access to the expanded broadband service. Construction of this project will begin in early 2023. It will take between 18 and 24 months for all construction to be completed.
