Expanding Open-Access Network Infrastructure in Virginia with NTIA and GO Virginia Middle Mile Grant Funding

About the Project

Project Quick Facts

Virginia Localities Served

Key Project Impacts

Project Details

According to the U.S. Census Data, eight of the localities served by this project have poverty rates higher than the national and state averages. Locality populations range from 9,675 to 43,010. The median household income ranges from $43,029 to $97,146, with an average median household income of $60,308 for the project region which is under both the state and national averages.  Per capita income averages $29,488 for the total project region which is 71% of the state average and about 83% of the national average.

South Hill to Kenbridge

Route: Starts at the MBC node at Hillcrest Industrial Park in the Town of South Hill in Mecklenburg County and ends at the existing MBC node at Kenbridge Commerce Center in the Town of Kenbridge in Lunenburg County.

This segment will improve the fiber route diversity and capacity that supports the marketability and feasibility of the Kenbridge Commerce Center site in Lunenburg County. Last mile service providers will be able to utilize this middle mile fiber to serve last-mile residential and business customers along the route. This segment will support the continued growth of data centers in the region.

Blackstone to McKenney

Route: Starts at the MBC node at Fort Barfoot near the Town of Blackstone in Nottoway County and ends at an existing MBC splice point on I-85 in McKenney in Dinwiddie County.

This segment will support additional broadband capabilities at Fort Barfoot, A Virginia Army National Guard installation located near the Town of Blackstone, for rapidly mobilized national security operations in the future and the current and expanding Federal and private contractor workforce personnel. Last mile service providers will be able to utilize this middle mile fiber to serve last-mile residential and business customers along the route. This route also provides unique diversity for Fort Barfoot and provides alternative backbone options in this area.

Dinwiddie to Prince George

Route: Starts at an MBC splice point on Route 1 in Dinwiddie County and ends at an existing MBC splice point at New Bohemia Business Park in Prince George County. An additional fiber lateral will connect the critical pharmaceutical manufacturing and research cluster in operation at the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Cluster in Petersburg.

This section directly supports economic development, workforce development, and all aspects of quality of life in Dinwiddie County, Prince George County, and the City of Petersburg by enabling industrial, business, education, and biotech/pharmaceutical clusters to fiber connectivity. This project will take on the challenge of constructing this fiber segment with over six (6) railroad crossings as part of this route. Last mile service providers will be able to utilize this middle mile fiber to serve last-mile residential and business customers along the route.

MAMaC in Greensville County

Route: Starts at an MBC splice point on Route 301 in Greensville County and ends at a handhole within the MAMaC site in Greensville County.

This segment directly supports economic development in Greensville County by providing diverse fiber to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of the 1,600 acres, CSX Certified, MAMaC Megasite in Greensville County. With I-95 frontage, CSX main line rail access and a direct route to Virginia ports, the site boasts easy access to both national and international markets via road, rail, and sea. MAMaC is the only megasite certified by McCallum Sweeney Consulting in Virginia, North Carolina, or Maryland. Last mile service providers will be able to utilize this middle mile fiber to serve last-mile residential and business customers along the route.

Heartland Innovative Technology (HIT) Park in Prince Edward County

Route: Starts at the existing MBC node at the Prince Edward County Industrial Park in Prince Edward County and ends at a handhole within the Heartland Innovative Technology Park site in Prince Edward County.

This segment will directly support economic development in Prince Edward County and Cumberland County by building new diverse fiber to the recently established 280-acre HIT Park owned by the Prince Edward County IDA. Job creation and private investment will benefit the Prince Edward County region, which includes Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College, and is served by Southside Virginia Community College, which has demonstrated excellence in information technology workforce training. Last mile service providers will be able to utilize this middle mile fiber to serve last-mile residential and business customers along the route.

Sussex County Mega Site in Sussex County

Route: Starts at an existing MBC splice point on Route 460 in Sussex County and will extend both north and south to handholes within the Sussex County Mega Site.

The 595-acre Sussex County Mega Site is conveniently located in proximity to I-95, I-295, I-85, and Rte 460. It is also well-positioned to access rail, seaport, and airport infrastructure, guaranteeing rapid and efficient shipments of merchandise. The addition of middle mile fiber diversity will enhance the site’s marketability for advanced manufacturing. Last mile service providers will be able to utilize this middle mile fiber to serve last-mile residential and business customers along the route.

Heartland Innovative Technology (HIT) Park to Cumberland

Route: Starts at the entrance to the Heartland Innovative Technology (HIT) Park in Prince Edward County and ends at the existing MBC node in Cumberland County.

This segment will provide a diverse fiber route from HIT park to the north, to tie into other fiber backbone routes that extend to Ashburn, Culpeper and Charlottesville. Last mile service providers will be able to utilize this middle mile fiber to serve last-mile residential and business customers along the route.

Shannon Hill Regional Business Park in Louisa County

Route: Starts at the existing MBC node in Cumberland County and ends at a handhole at the Shannon Hill Regional Business Park in Louisa County, which is the location of a future MBC node.

This segment will directly support economic development in Cumberland County, Goochland County, and Louisa County by building new diverse fiber to the 700-acre Shannon Hill Regional Business Park. Targeted industries for Shannon Hill Park are Manufacturing, Data Centers, Biotechnology, and Logistics/Distribution which will require diverse fiber. Last mile service providers will be able to utilize this middle mile fiber to serve last-mile residential and business customers along the route.