Gov. Kay Ivey has announced $9.5 million in broadband grants. The grants, part of the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund, were awarded to nine broadband providers to fund multiple projects.

The grants’ importance was underscored as students and employees transitioned to telework during the COVID-19 crisis.

Affected counties include Autauga, Bibb, Butler, Chilton, Coffee, Colbert, Covington, Crenshaw, Dallas, Geneva, Houston, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Mobile, Montgomery, Pike and Randolph.