Corinth, MS – The Board of Directors of Alcorn County Electric Power is pleased to announce ACE Power has received a $4.9 million grant to support its ongoing initiative to make broadband internet access available in unserved and underserved parts of Alcorn County.
“This grant allows ACE Power to accelerate our commitment to bring world-class, high speed broadband technology to 100% of our membership in Alcorn County,” explained Eddie Howard, CEO of Alcorn County Electric. “We appreciate the state recognizing both the immediate need for broadband heightened by the current health crisis, as well as the significant investment ACE Power is making in our communities.”
The grant is part of the $65 million Mississippi Electric Cooperatives Broadband COVID 19 ACT passed earlier this year. As a requirement to be eligible for this award, ACE Power will match the funds, bringing the total amount available for this project to almost $10 million.
“The beauty of this grant is that it will accelerate our county-wide build out by 6-9 months, without disrupting our core business plan,” said Sean McGrath, CFO of Alcorn County Electric.
The specific areas addressed in this grant include the Kendrick, Farmington, Glen, Jacinto, and Rienzi communities.
“From the beginning, ACE has taken a ‘build it once, build it right’ approach’ to ensure that Alcorn County residents will have access to the fastest internet in America, while being good stewards of public funding,” said Howard. “We will continue to look for funding opportunities like this to accelerate this project’s timeline and help close the ‘digital divide’ for more residents of Alcorn County.”
About ACE Power
Alcorn County Electric Power Association is an electric distribution cooperative serving 19,000 meters in Alcorn County, Mississippi. It is a private, not-for-profit business governed by a Board of Directors elected by its membership. ACE Power is proud to be the first electric cooperative in America, serving Alcorn County since 1934.
Contact Information
Sio’Bhan Keeton, Media Relations
(256) 693-9340
