MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont Community Broadband Board is launching a $116 million construction grant program, the board said Thursday.

Starting this spring, communications union districts and other eligible providers will be able use the grants to help to accelerate construction efforts to reach all Vermonters without adequate broadband service.

“Access to high quality, affordable broadband is an economic necessity,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a statement. “That’s why we’ll continue to focus on these critical investments, that will strengthen our communities in all 14 counties.”

Of the total, $100 million will come from federal COVID-19 relief money for small communications carriers; and/or internet service providers. They will work with communications districts to cover construction costs such as materials, equipment and labor related to broadband projects.

The additional $16 million will be part of a community match program of state and local recovery funds.

“These grants will kickstart broadband expansion in the state," said C ommunity Broadband Board Executive Director Christine Hallquist. “This first infusion of funds will allow Communications Union Districts and other eligible providers to accelerate their buildouts in communities across the state.”