CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The federal government has yet to release the $138 million the state is expected to receive for broadband investment but West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council is getting ready for that release.
The council was updated during a meeting Thursday about efforts to set up a grant application program for broadband providers. A website and interactive map have been developed.
State Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael appeared before the council and thanked members for the work the staff has done in preparation.
Carmichael said the $138 million will be used to get broadband to those who don’t have it rather than enhancing service for those who do.
“I can’t say that strongly enough or reemphasize that strongly enough,” he said. “Those who do not have service, we want to utilize these funds to reach those people.”
The funds are coming from the $667 million the state received from the American Rescue Plan, a portion of which may be allocated to broadband. And state government has received $138 million beyond that, specifically for broadband investment.
Carmichael reminded the enhancement council Thursday the state is 48th is broadband availability.
He said the goal is to keep the grant program as simple as possible.
“We’re to make sure the money gets out quickly and the projects are properly vetted and scored according to the most benefit to be received by the most people in West Virginia,” he said.
Carmichael also urged members of the council to encourage their local governments to use a portion of their pandemic relief funding on broadband expansion, joining with the state’s efforts.
“We want to work closely through this program to coordinate our expenditures to develop synergy around the funding stream that are available to the counties, cities as well as to the state,” he said.
Carmichael told a group of state lawmakers last month more than 1,500 West Virginia homes this year have received new internet connections.