West Virginia’s $1.2 Billion Broadband Expansion Plan Approved by Federal Government

West Virginia’s $1.2 Billion Broadband Expansion Plan Approved by Federal Government

CHARLESTON — West Virginia has taken a significant step forward in expanding broadband access across the state with the approval of its Volume II Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This approval allows West Virginia to begin drawing down the $1.2 billion in funding awarded by the federal government last year for broadband expansion.

The BEAD program, part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act negotiated by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, aims to better connect homes, businesses, and classrooms across the state. West Virginia’s plan was one of three states, including Kansas and Nevada, whose proposals were approved by the NTIA.

“This means West Virginia is another step closer to using our $1.2 billion towards efforts to better-connect homes, business, and classrooms across the state,” said Capito in a statement. “It’s no surprise to me that West Virginia came out ahead of so many other states that have more personnel because it’s hard to compete with the dedication of Governor Justice’s team.”

Manchin also expressed his excitement about the approval, emphasizing the importance of broadband connectivity for the state. “We’ve really got to be connected … If we don’t get broadband now, we’re never going to get it,” he said during a virtual conference call with the press.

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included $42 billion in funding for the BEAD program, with the goal of expanding universal broadband access to non-served and under-served parts of the state by 2029. West Virginia’s Office of Broadband has already begun the pre-application phase for BEAD-funded grants, with a deadline of March 17.

Capito commended Governor Justice, the state Department of Economic Development, and the Office of Broadband for their proactive approach in completing the necessary applications and reports to expedite the receipt of BEAD funding. She also acknowledged the challenges faced by West Virginia due to its geographical disadvantages in expanding broadband.

“With the amount of money we put towards broadband connectivity and also the conditions we have in mountainous states as far as the higher cost, they recognize that we don’t have the massive population centers,” said Manchin. “Our people are spread out among rural West Virginia. Getting that implemented is imperative.”

The approval of West Virginia’s BEAD plan marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and improve access to high-speed internet for all residents. The state is now poised to make significant progress in expanding broadband infrastructure and connectivity in the coming years.