Virginia has a green light from the administration of President Joe Biden to use $1.48 billion in federal infrastructure funding to extend high-speed internet access to more than 133,000 unserved locations, most of them in the rural Southside and Shenandoah Valley.
Gov. Ralph Northam, left, stands next to then-Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin outside the Executive Mansion on Nov. 4, 2021. Expanding access to high-speed internet has been a priority for three successive Virginia governors.
From the Archives: The Virginia state Capitol building
01-29-1970 (cutline): Capitol is focus for women lobbyists' work during session.
Staff photo
01-23-1973 (cutline): Maybe a last look--legislative page David King, 13, looks at model of the State Capitol by Thomas Jefferson which soon may be removed from the building.
Bob Brown
02-06-1962 (cutline): Byrd (left) and Del. Pollard view model of Capitol at Commitees' session yesterday.
Staff photo
10-10-1963: Capitol's lunch room.
Staff photo
03-13-1972: Inside of Capitol.
Amir Pishdad
01-13-1962 (cutline): Virginia's Capitol early today, all ready for the Harrison inaguration ceremony.
Staff photo
02-21-1968 (cutline): Sign proclaims 'Fire Lane' along north side of Capitol. Parked cars are almost bumper-to-bumper, but Fire Chief is tolerant.
Times-Dispatch
03-20-1964: Easter Sunrise service at the Virginia State Capitol
Don Pennell
03-12-1974:In March 1974 at the state Capitol, Virginia first lady Katherine Godwin (second front right) unveiled a painting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. The work, by Jack Clifton of Hampton (front), was presented by the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution; it commissioned the painting in cooperation with the Virginia Independence Bicentennial Commission. Assisting Godwin with the unveiling were state Sen. Edward E. Willey Sr. of Richmond and DAR official Mrs. John S. Biscoe.
The background: Three Virginia governors have worked since 2017 to extend access to high-speed internet across the state.
What's new? The federal government approved Virginia's use of nearly $1.5 billion in infrastructure funding to extend service to unserved areas, most in Southside and the Shenandoah Valley.
What's next? While 87% of the state has access to high-speed internet, a state watchdog agency says Virginia might miss its goal of achieving universal access in 2028.
Gov. Ralph Northam, left, stands next to then-Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin outside the Executive Mansion on Nov. 4, 2021. Expanding access to high-speed internet has been a priority for three successive Virginia governors.
