A $99,000 federal grant to help create a high-speed wireless Internet network in Carroll County has been approved by the Rural Development Agency.

It will help bring high-speed Internet service to businesses, schools and emergency service providers, Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, said Friday in announcing the approval.

The funding will allow the extension of broadband service from a fiber-optic backbone at the Crossroads Institute in Galax to locations in neighboring Carroll County over a wireless network.

The initial connections will be to the Twin County Airport, the town of Hillsville and Sylvatus community.

-- Paul Dellinger