West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has announced nearly $35 million in funding to expand broadband infrastructure across 10 counties in the state.
The effort will extend approximately 362 miles of fiber-optic cable, providing high-speed internet access to nearly 2,900 homes, businesses and other sites.
This funding covers a geographically diverse area, spanning from western river valleys to central mountains and eastern highlands. According to officials, the deliberately broad reach ensures broadband coverage to underserved communities throughout the state.
Five internet service providers (ISPs) were awarded funds to implement broadband infrastructure, including:
Digital Connections: $10.33 million for Preston County.
Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Telephone: $9.92 million for Pendleton County.
Comcast: $7.74 million for Jackson, Mason and Putnam counties.
Micrologic: $3.82 million for Grant County.
Citynet: $2.78 million for Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer and Lewis counties.
The projects are administered through West Virginia’s Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) program, which directs broadband investment to areas most in need of service. The funding comes from two federal programs made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). First, the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund is a post-pandemic recovery program to help state and local governments invest in long-term infrastructure. Second, the Capital Projects Fund is specifically used for bringing high-quality broadband into areas that currently lack adequate broadband access.
The LEAD program connects residents to broadband internet with at least 100/20 Mbps and provides scalability at higher speeds.
The next steps for West Virginia’s final Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal to the federal government have been somewhat accelerated due to recent changes to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) guidelines. However, LEAD officials have adjusted their timeline to ensure the funding is attaining.
NTIA’s BEAD restructuring notice gives states a 90‑day deadline (until Sept 3, 2025) to submit revamped BEAD proposals. The move is designed to reduce red tape, make the program technology-neutral and require a new “Benefit of the Bargain” competitive round to prioritize low-cost broadband projects over rigid fiber preferences.
After hosting a two-week public review period in mid-August and submitting proposals by September 3, LEAD is expecting federal approval for the buildouts, which is expected in a year’s time. Once lines are in place, the long-term plan includes reporting, compliance and digital inclusion efforts.
Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels
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