“Connecting North Carolina communities and classrooms to Wi-Fi has been a central focus of our administration since day one,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “These grants build on our commitment to improve North Carolina’s economy and education, and will help western North Carolina offer or expand Internet access for residents, students, entrepreneurs and visitors.”

Bryson City received $10,493 to offer wireless internet in downtown. 

The project requires a local match and will be self-supporting upon completion of the one-year term of the grant. The ARC-supported Wi-Fi projects advance the goals of North Carolina’s State Broadband Plan, which guides policies and programs that seek to leverage broadband infrastructure as a catalyst for education, economic development and public-service delivery.