Governor Ralph Northam has announced new grants totaling $2 billion that will allow Virginia to achieve near-universal broadband access.

Northam said the initiative will provide 90% of the state with broadband and high-speed internet, placing Virginia on track to being one of the first states successfully charting a path to universal access to broadband.

More than $152 million has been awarded to the RiverStreet Networks and West Piedmont District, which includes Danville and Pittsylvania County.

The project will build fiber broadband to 24,641 unserved locations and achieve universal coverage in Pittsylvania, Amelia, Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, and Nottoway Counties when combined with other projects.

Northam said the pandemic highlighted the need for swift and bold action to extend high-speed internet across Virginia, and he thanked the partners who made this progress possible.