On Aug. 21, Senator Thom Tillis announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be awarding $24.9 million to North Carolina to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet. This network will benefit 2,674 people, 84 businesses, 117 farms, and four educational facilities in Bladen, Columbus and Sampson Counties.
All funding comes directly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senator Tillis helped negotiate, write and pass into law. Tillis also played a key role in drafting the broadband provisions in the bill, which resulted in the largest investment to expand access to high-speed internet in the nation’s history.
The announcement is in addition to the $1.53 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law awarded to North Carolina in June for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which will be used to expand access to high-speed internet through planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.
“I’m proud to have worked on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will deliver more than $24.9 million to expand access to high-speed internet in Bladen, Columbus, and Sampson Counties,” said Senator Tillis in a press release. “This critical investment will help bridge the digital divide for North Carolina’s rural communities and deploy the resources that families need and deserve.”
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
