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West Virginia one of three states with federal broadband plan approval

President Joe Biden speaks during a 2023 event about high-speed internet infrastructure in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Nearly one year after the federal government awarded West Virginia more than $1.2 billion for broadband expansion, West Virginia was one of three states whose plan to implement that expansion was approved. (AP Photo)

CHARLESTON — Nearly one year after the federal government awarded West Virginia more than $1.2 billion for broadband expansion, West Virginia was one of three states whose plan to implement that expansion was approved.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved West Virginia’s Volume II Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Kansas and Nevada’s plans were also approved.

Approval of the BEAD plan means West Virginia can begin drawing down the $1.2 billion in funding the state was awarded last June through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which was signed into law in 2021 and negotiated by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.

“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,” Capito said in a statement Thursday. “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 (Jim) Justice’s team.”

“I’m just tickled to death. We’ve been pushing the living daylights out for this,” Manchin said Thursday during a virtual conference call with press. “We’ve really got to be connected … If we don’t get broadband now, we’re never going to get it.”

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included $42 billion in funding for the BEAD program. States could begin submitting their BEAD programs as of last July, but no funding could be distributed until those plans were approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The state Department of Economic Development had already been working on its BEAD plan prior to last year’s award. States had 180 days to submit their initial proposals. According to the Volume II proposal, the state’s goal is to expand universal broadband access to non-served and under-served parts of the state by 2029, with speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

The state Office of Broadband began its pre-application period for BEAD-funded grants on March 18, setting a deadline of Friday, March 17.

“The pre-application phase in West Virginia will allow applicants to submit information to demonstrate their eligibility and capacity to compete for grants to expand broadband infrastructure to Target Locations in the state using BEAD funding,” according to the Office of Broadband. “This will streamline the application process and review of proposed projects, which will take place later in 2024.”

Capito praised Justice, the state Department of Economic Development, and the Office of Broadband for being proactive to complete its applications and reports in order to more quickly receive BEAD funding.

“I thank (the Office of Broadband) for their tireless work on their plans to make sure these funds are able to be used properly and efficiently,” Capito said. “While there is still a long road ahead to getting more West Virginians connected, we are well on our way with today’s announcement. I look forward to continuing to help our state in any way that I can during this multi-year process.”

Of the three states approved for BEAD-funded projects, West Virginia’s $1.2 billion allotment was the largest. Manchin said the large amount is needed to help overcome the state’s 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,” Manchin said. “Our people are spread out among rural West Virginia. Getting that implemented is imperative.”

Steven Allen Adams can be reached at sadams@newsandsentinel.com

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