Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and State Representative Greg Vital today announced work has begun on a critical broadband expansion project in Birchwood, bringing high-speed broadband access to 296 additional homes. The project, spearheaded by Volunteer Energy Cooperative (VEC), was made possible by $615,617 in American Rescue Plan Act funding. This initiative marks a significant step toward improving connectivity and enhancing quality of life for residents in North Hamilton County.
“Reliable broadband is a necessity for education, business, and connecting our community’s youngest and oldest learners with the world,” said Mayor Wamp.
“This project is a significant step in closing the digital gap for residents in North Hamilton County.”
“I’m proud to see this essential infrastructure project moving forward,” said Rep. Vital. “High-speed internet is necessary for families, students, and businesses in today’s world, and this partnership between Hamilton County and VEC is a significant step toward ensuring every resident in North Hamilton County has the connectivity they need to thrive. The expansion of broadband in District 29 has been one of my priorities since first elected. I am appreciative of VEC and Hamilton County working together for the Birchwood area.”
The project will install fiber optic cable along Birchwood Pike, stretching from Highway 60 to David Hill Road, with additional extensions westward to the Tennessee River and eastward along Grasshopper Road to Pierce Road. VEC has been a valued partner to Hamilton County since 2018, bringing reliable broadband access to hundreds of homes in the Birchwood community.
“Expanding broadband access has been a top priority for us, and with Hamilton County’s support, we’re delivering transformative infrastructure that will benefit generations to come,” said Dion Cooper, CEO of Volunteer Energy Cooperative. “We will continue to seek grant funding to ensure every entity in North Hamilton County has access to the internet.”
Hamilton County recently secured a state grant to fund a state-of-the-art computer lab at the Birchwood Community Center and enhance digital infrastructure in unincorporated areas. This funding became available after the county earned designation as a Broadband Ready Community in November 2023.