CLARKSBURG, W.Va. - Since launching her "Capito Connect" plan in 2015, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has been working to advance new solutions to connect West Virginia. 

A recent study by the Federal Communications Commission indicated that 56 percent of West Virginia residents do not have access to broadband services that meet its benchmarks. In rural areas, the number is even higher at 74 percent. 

Sen. Capito said, "In traveling the state and talking with teachers or students or small business owners, the lack of connectivity is really hampering our growth. It's hampering our education system."

Capito said her most memmorable highlight was announcing the $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide access to Barbour, Randolph and Upshur counties.

Capito added it is important to continue pushing for reliable internet access for the entire state.