Carroll residents with long driveways may qualify for $14,000 internet installation grant

Funding for broadband installation is now available to qualifying Carroll County residents in Carroll County who have long, private driveways and have been unable to receive internet installation.

As part of the county’s new Difficult to Serve – Long Driveway Grant Program, residents can receive up to $14,000 toward internet installation. The funding is for homes in rural areas that do not already have broadband, internet or cable TV infrastructure.

The $1.76 million program is being funded by the state’s fiscal 2024 Home Stretch – Difficult to Serve Properties Grant, which provides funding for connectivity where the cost to extend internet has been the primary barrier to obtaining service.

The county received $1.1 million from the state, Comcast pledged about $360,000 and the county is contributing $300,000, according to county spokesperson Chris Winebrenner.

Homes located in areas currently scheduled for future broadband installation are not eligible, and funding is available per house or address. Homes that contain apartments or businesses are not eligible for additional funding.

Homeowners who already paid to have connections are not eligible to be reimbursed, and the grant does not cover equipment or services.

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners do not have the authority to tell internet service providers where to expand their service, but “the county does work with service providers to help them determine where service is needed,” according to a news release. “The county develops public/private partnerships that incentivize local service providers to build last-mile connections where needed. Using these relationships allows more efficient use of grant funds and connects properties more quickly.”

To apply, residents are asked to complete an application at https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/residents/carroll-county-residential-broadband/carroll-long-driveway-hard-to-connect-program. The county will also email residents who recently completed a broadband survey indicating their need for internet service.

Applications are due by May 31 and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact Carroll County Broadband Project Manager Jay Uebel at 410-386-2309 or juebel@carrollcountymd.gov.