In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, Calvert County has secured a $1.1 million grant aimed at expanding high-speed internet access to underserved areas. The grant is part of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties program, which focuses on providing internet services to hard-to-reach households.
The county has announced a 30-day enrollment period for residents, starting from June 4 to July 5, 2024, to facilitate the rollout of this expanded broadband service. Residents can access the Comcast Services Extension Map, submit questions, and sign up for updates by visiting www.calvertcountymd.gov/2919/Comcast-Buildout.
Governor Wes Moore, in May 2024, revealed a total of $19.6 million in grants under the Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties program, an integral part of the state’s Connect Maryland initiative. Funded by the U.S. Treasury’s American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, this program targets the expansion of broadband infrastructure in remote and underserved areas. Calvert County is among the 18 jurisdictions receiving a share of this funding.
The Home Stretch program is specifically designed to address the barriers that prevent broadband providers from extending their services to more isolated regions. By alleviating these logistical challenges, the program encourages internet service providers to extend their coverage, thus bringing high-speed internet to more communities. Additional information about the Home Stretch initiative and the Office of Statewide Broadband is available at dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband.
