BARC Connects Receives Funding For Fiber Internet

November 6, 2024

CONTACT: Amanda Cunningham

PHONE: (540) 679-6851

EMAIL: acunningham@barcelectric.com

Lexington, VA – On October 30, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that BARC Connects Fiber Broadband, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BARC Electric Cooperative, was awarded $4.5 million under the Community Connect Grant Program.

This funding will support the fiber construction project that will cover 60 miles and reach almost 400 additional eligible locations in the Collierstown area of Rockbridge County.

“We are thankful to have received this funding provided by the USDA, made possible through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). We could not have achieved this success without the hard work and support of our BARC Connects staff, board and, most importantly, the Collierstown community. Also, a special thank you to the Rockbridge County supervisors, administrator, and staff for making the Lake Robertson Park office available for use as a community broadband access point, a requirement under the grant” stated BARC Connects CEO Bill Buchanan. “This money will help provide our communities with reliable and affordable internet services that helps with remote learning, work from home options and attend doctor appointments virtually.”

Administered by the RUS, the Community Connect Grant Program provides targeted financial assistance to extend broadband service to areas that are unserved by an internet service provider. Projects were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each project for demonstrated need and benefit for the community, applicant readiness and capacity, and the cost and leverage of the proposed project.

Headquartered in Millboro, VA, BARC Connects is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BARC Electric Cooperative. BARC Connects offers fast and reliable fiber internet to the premise with no hidden equipment costs, no contracts and symmetrical upload and download speeds. BARC Connects offers 150 mbps for $70; 400 mbps for $85; 1 gbps for $110; Connects Phone Service is $25 with a $10 discount when bundled with the internet. For more information, please visit barcconnects.net or call 1-800-846-2272.

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