This award provides funding to MCNC to expand its statewide network in southeast North Carolina. In May 2022, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the availability of $1 billion in funding for middle mile infrastructure. MCNC intends to submit a request to NTIA for funding to build 127 miles of fiber between Sanford and Jacksonville. The total project cost is approximately $11.98 million, and the Golden LEAF grant would also serve as part of the match for the NTIA request. The project area includes Harnett, Lee, Onslow, Duplin, Cumberland, and Sampson counties. The project would directly serve 20 community anchor institutions (schools, hospitals, etc.) and pass within three miles of 195 additional community anchor institutions.
