Gov. Youngkin ‘recommends’ ARC funding to Martinsville MiNet internet expansion

MARTINSVILLE, Va. ( WFXR )—Governor Glenn Youngkin announced he is recommending the Appalachian Regional Commission ( ARC ) for the funding of 13 projects around the Commonwealth, including the City of Martinsville’s MiNet Expansion.

MiNet is a city-owned internet service provider for local businesses and residents in Martinsville, offering a local internet service that matches or exceeds similar providers’ speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. According to the city, Youngkin recommended $700,000 to continue expanding its network.

“These projects represent the innovation and strong entrepreneurial spirit of the Appalachian region,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “ARC plays a pivotal role in empowering our Appalachian communities to address their unique challenges, capitalize on their unique assets and drive positive change throughout the region.”

As Martinsville City Council has already devoted $800,000 of American Rescue Plan Act ( ARPA ) funding to support the city-wide expansion of MiNet, if ARC takes the Governor’s recommendation in funding, $1.5 million of the estimated $5.4 million for needed the project would be secured.

“Having MiNet available throughout the City could generate over $2 million in new revenue that could be used to fund major projects,” said City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides . “We hope to fund the expansion project with as many outside funding sources as possible so our citizen’s local tax dollars would not be impacted.”

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