CULLMAN, Ala. – Senator Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) today released the following statement regarding three grants awarded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to expand broadband infrastructure in Cullman County:“Access to high-speed internet is imperative to the growth and survival of our state, and I appreciate ADECA’s efforts to expand these services through the Broadband Accessibility Fund,” said Gudger. “Broadband connectivity is critical when it comes to driving economic development and moving our state forward, and I am excited to see support for these significant projects in Cullman County that will improve the quality of life for our residents.
“I was glad to see SB215 has landed on the Governor’s desk for her signature,” Gudger continued. “This bill will develop a connectivity plan to broaden broadband access to all four corners of the state, which we desperately need. I appreciate the diligent work by my colleague and friend Representative Randall Shedd, who served as Co-Chair of the Joint Rural Broadband Oversight Committee with members from both the Senate and House.
I am extremely pleased with the work that has taken place this session to address the state’s urgent need for expanded and improved broadband infrastructure.”Three grants were awarded to Cyber Broadband, Inc. in Cullman, amounting to $3,581,615.30 for the following projects:$1.5 million to provide broadband access for Fiber to the Home – Phase IV – Grandview Logan West Cullman project$581,615.30 to provide broadband access for Fiber to the Home – Phase V – Simpson Shores and Cold Springs Road project$1.5 million to provide broadband access for Fiber to the Home – Phase VI – Bremen and Cold Springs projectJay Fuller CEO and President of Cyber Broadband, Inc said, “We are committed to serving Cullman County – thats where we grew up and that’s where we live. We started this company in 2004 in Cullman County and we plan to grow our fiber footprint in the areas of the county who have been good to us.
We are currently either building or planning to build in multiple other areas and have learned “the process” involved, from designing the build to getting a permit from the county to work. We expect to see this project within the next year to year and a half.” These grants are funded through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund administered by ADECA and created in 2018 to provide high-speed internet to rural and underserved areas of the state.SB215 passed in both the House and Senate and was delivered to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for signature on Tuesday, May 6.