Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I would like to thank The Smithfield Times for the informative article about Surry County’s incredible achievement of broadband connection for all who live there (“Northam praises Surry broadband progress,” Sept. 1).

Gov. Ralph Northam put it best when he explained: “Surry County was actually a year ahead of us. Surry County is actually one of the first counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia to accomplish universal broadband … . I’m here on behalf of the commonwealth of Virginia to say congratulations for a job well done.”.

Also, Surry County Administrator Melissa Rollins thanked the Board of Supervisors for agreeing to the required local match for the VATI funds. The board was willing to invest $2.5 million and Ms. Rollins went on to say “we are making waves here in Surry County, making it possible for a much better and brighter community through broadband for all.”

Bravo to the Surry County government and its Board of Supervisors for their forward-thinking decision-making in achieving this goal.

 

Jim Groves

Smithfield