The Rockbridge Area has received a planning grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD). The purpose of the grant is to complete a Community Telecommunications Plan that will allow the locality to identify next projects and possible implementation. The Project Management Team and Design Nine, the consultant, are to conduct a needs assessment of the area and its residents (Phase I), create broadband education development strategies and end user application identification (Phase I), propose last mile connectivity solutions (Phase I), present preliminary design and costs estimates (Phase II), develop options for organization and network operation (Phase II), and present funding strategies for future implementation projects (Phase II). VDHCD funding is in place for Phase I activities. A proposal must be submitted and accepted by VDHCD to access Phase II funding. A project management team has been formed.