This grant provides funding to MCNC for the expansion of its statewide network in southeast North Carolina by connecting communities between Sanford and Farmville. Leveraging acquired and newly built fiber optic assets, MCNC will connect community anchor institutions such as medical facilities, community colleges, and schools in Greene, Harnett, Johnston, and Wayne counties directly to its network. MCNC will also focus on agriculture by working to connect cooperative extension offices along the route and the Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro. MCNC may also be able to expand residential connectivity by working with local and wireless internet service providers.