Frederick County Secures $1.1 Million Grant to Expand Broadband along Home Stretch

FREDERICK, Md. - Frederick County's Office of Broadband will receive $1.1 million to help bring broadband service to rural homes. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded a Fiscal Year 2024 grant to Frederick County as part of the State's Home Stretch - Difficult to Serve Properties program. The goal is to reduce the cost property owners must pay to bring wired broadband service to their houses. In rural areas, service providers often charge thousands of dollars to run fiber from the closest road to a house with a long driveway.

"Broadband service is essential in today's world," County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "People need the Internet for school, to apply for jobs, and to telework. I'm incredibly proud of the work our Office of Broadband is doing to expand access to high-speed Internet to nearly all parts of Frederick County."

Since the Office of Broadband was formed in 2021, the three-person staff has secured an estimated $20 million in grants. When all the programs are implemented, Frederick County will have service available to approximately 97% of households.

Households that may qualify for the Home Stretch program will receive a mailing from the Office of Broadband. Residents who do not receive a postcard may submit a survey to determine their eligibility. The survey can be found online at PublicInput.com/HomeStretch. Funding is limited. Money will be distributed on a first-come basis.

Funding for Maryland's Home Stretch grants come from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Capital Projects Fund. Counties could apply for up to $1.1 million, making Frederick County's grant amount the maximum possible.

To learn more about Frederick County's Office of Broadband, a part of the Division of Interagency Information Technologies, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Broadband.

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