The House Appropriations Committee provides funding to connect every home in the Commonwealth to the internet through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative.
The Virginia Telecommunications Initiative provides grants to local governments that partner with internet services providers to extend broadband connectivity to areas of the state without broadband access. The public funding provided through VATI make it cost effective for the private sector to extend service to areas of the state where they otherwise would not locate this critical infrastructure. Grants awarded through VATI are matched by private and local funds. The Department of Housing and Community Development administers the VATI program along with Virginia’s participation in the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program.
Budget Overview
The Virginia Telecommunications Initiative does not exist in the Code of Virginia, like many other state programs. Funding to support the program and the conditions for operating the program reside only in the state budget at the Department of Housing and Community Development. Since its creation in 2017, the Commonwealth has invested $195 million in state general funds and $731 million of federal covid-19 response and recovery funds in broadband expansion efforts.
Investment in Broadband Infrastructure Development by Funding Source
Program/Policy Highlights
- Virginia Telecommunications Initiative
Public-private partnership that extends internet service to unconnected locations in Virginia, funding is paid on a reimbursement basis to units of local government
- Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program
Federal program designed to connect locations to the internet through cash up-front to the private sector
Reports and Presentations
Resources and Deep Dives
Staff Contact
