MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development West Virginia has announced the availability of $25 million in funding through the Broadband Technical Assistance Program. The funding will help cooperatives, tribes, and local organizations expand high-speed affordable internet access throughout rural West Virginia communities.
Made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the funding will be open for applications beginning Friday, June 21, 2024.
“In today’s world, having access to fast and reliable internet service is not a luxury but a necessity,” said USDA Rural Development West Virginia State Director, Ryan Thorn. “Whether it’s commerce, education, or healthcare, having high-speed internet is a catalyst for new opportunities in our rural communities. By partnering with local organizations to increase access and deploy this critical resource, we’re helping to close the digital divide for individuals regardless of where they live in the Mountain State.”
The program seeks to assist in rural communities with the identification and pursing of opportunities to connect each community with high-speed, reliable internet service.
These funds mark the second round of such funding for the program, which received 96 applications for a total requested funding amount of $44.5 million in its first round. Generation West Virginia was awarded a $610,116 grant in support of high-speed internet services in rural West Virginia.
For the second round of applications, applicants must apply through one of the two available funding categories: Technical Assistance Providers and Technical Assistance Recipients.
Applicants are encouraged to consider projects to advance key priorities including: Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to programs and benefits, reducing climate pollution, and assisting in the economic recovery of rural communities through optimized infrastructure.
Applications will be accepted through 11:59pm on August 20, 2024, and may be submitted electronically.
Applications will be assessed according to the USDA’s scoring criteria which emphasizes service to distressed communities and the advancement of equity.
