Grants

Tens of thousands of people in rural southeastern North Carolina are set to lose access to a federal program that helps pay for internet service.

The Affordable Connectivity Program allows eligible residents to save up to $30 on their monthly internet bill. But the program for low-income families is set to end in May unless Congress agrees to extend its funding.

A federal grant for more than $5 million was awarded Wednesday to the city of Rocky Mount so the municipality’s Energy Resources Division can replace a total of about 10 miles of aging natural gas pipeline infrastructure and greatly reduce the potential for leaks and work-related injuries.

The plan calls for focusing on about 7½ miles of main behind the Westridge shopping center in the Sunset Avenue area in the northwestern part of the city. The plan also includes focusing on about 2½ miles of main in the western part of the downtown area.

ROANOKE RAPIDS — With $950,000 delivered by U.S. Congressman Don Davis, the Lincoln Heights Community can look forward to building a new community center with $2.2 million in project funds.

The presentation took place on March 27 next to the Lincoln Height Community Center at 34 Lincoln St., where dignitaries, officials and others attended.

Robersonville officials gather around U.S. Congressman Don Davis and an oversized check representing a $1 million Community Project Fund appropriation.

Today, more than 900,000, or 1 in 5, households in North Carolina have access to affordable high-speed internet thanks to the Biden administration’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). However, unless Congress extends funding for the program by the end of this month, many of these households could lose access to this service.

In April, the program will only offer partial benefits. Without additional funding from Congress, the program is expected to end completely in May, leaving 23 million Americans at risk of losing affordable internet access.