- October 11, 2024
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Palm Coast, Bunnell and unincorporated Flagler County communities were among the cities and counties awarded state grant funding to expand broadband internet to underserved areas.
Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded more than $247 million in grants across the state through the Broadband Infrastructure Program on July 7, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
That money was split among communities across the state.
“High-speed broadband internet is important infrastructure for Florida communities and will generate economic development activity and a talented labor force,” DeSantis said.
Palm Coast was allocated $1.4 million, alongside St. Augustine and Hastings, to add 25.8 miles of fiber-optic cable.
The Flagler County communities of Cody’s Corner, Espanola, Korona, Dupont and Favoretta, along with the communities of Bakersburg and Country Acres, were allotted $731,793.25 to add 13.8 miles of fiber optic cable.
The grant is meant to provide under- or unserved communities with symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1 gigabyte, the press release said.
During the state’s spring legislative session, the city of Palm Coast netted an "unprecedented” $54.55 million in state appropriations, according to a Palm Coast press release from June 20.
The city will receive $25 million for transportation projects, including the city's westward expansion initiative. Of that money, $18.3 million will be allocated to advance Phase 2 of the Old Kings Road North Widening Project, the press release said.
The state also granted the city $5 million to build the new Palm Coast Fire Department Fire Station 26 and $1.25 million to enhance flood protections in the city.
