
Tillis Announces $17.5 Million Rural Broadband Grant for Warren and Halifax Counties
United States Senator Thom Tillis announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development division has awarded Halifax and Warren counties a $17.5 million grant to improve broadband. Tillis said the funds come from a bipartisan infrastructure package which he helped to negotiate and pass into law.
Overview
The Halifax Community Network serves Halifax and Northampton counties in North Carolina on the Virginia Borde along the Interstate 95 corridor. This transportation artery facilitates easy access for travelers and businesses, contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The counties' strategic location along the Interstate 95 corridor and near the Virginia border enhances their connectivity and accessibility. With both economies relying on agriculture, the fertile land and favorable climate support a thriving industry, with crops like tobacco, cotton, peanuts, and soybeans being major contributors. The counties' rural landscapes are dotted with farms, fields, and forests, showcasing the region's agricultural heritage. The region offers a blend of rural charm and cultural heritage, with historical sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its unique identity.
The Roanoke River, which runs through both Halifax and Northampton counties, historically served as a vital source of trade and commerce. Although the river's importance as a trade route has diminished over time, it remains an important natural feature and a site for outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking. Both Halifax and Northampton counties have deep historical roots in Halifax; the signing of the Halifax Resolves served as a precursor to the Declaration of Independence and solidified North Carolina's commitment to independence from Britain during the American Revolutionary War. Northampton County played a notable role in the Civil Rights Movement and was the birthplace of Ella Baker, a prominent civil rights activist and leader.
The Community Network, in collaboration with Rural Partners Network, will focus its work for this region on infrastructure development, housing, community facilities, economic sustainability, and access to high-speed internet.
Priorities
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Economic Development
- Economic Sustainability
- Job Creation & Investment
- Workforce Development
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Infrastructure
- Broadband
- Community Facilities
- Infrastructure Development
- Housing
Rural Partners Network Contacts for Halifax-Northampton Community Network
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George Vital
Statewide Senior Community Liaison