Second draft plan for West Virginia's share of broadband funds released

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV News) — The state Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband has released the second draft of its plan for how more than $1 billion in federal funds will be deployed.

The department has published the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Initial Proposal Volume 2 for review and public comment and will host a public meeting from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Summersville Arena & Conference Center in Summersville.

“In our ongoing commitment to advancing broadband accessibility and innovation in West Virginia, we welcome public input on the BEAD Volume 2 Initial Proposal,” said state Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael. “This critical initiative has the potential to shape the future of digital connectivity in our state. Public comments play a vital role in this process, providing valuable insights that help us make informed decisions.”

Volume 2 follows the requirements of the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) to address the following topics: Local coordination, subgrantee selection for deployment and non-deployment, implementation activities, labor standards, workforce readiness, provisions for minority- and women-owned businesses, cost and barrier reduction, climate assessment, low-cost broadband service, regulatory issues, middle-class affordability and other components as required by NTIA.

Officials announced the state would receive $1,210,800,969.85 through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, which was established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, at the end of June.

The first draft of the plan was released at the end of July, with public comments accepted through Aug. 21.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, during an event announcing the BEAD program awards, said West Virginia’s share of funds would provide broadband internet access to “every resident” in the state.

“Everyone. When we say ‘everyone,’ we mean everyone,” she said.

Kelly Workman, director of the state Office of Broadband, has said the state expects to receive about 20% of its allotment of funds next summer, with total funds deployed over five years.

“My hope is that ... by the end of next year, going into ’25, you’re really going to see the bulk of the spending,” Workman said.