CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Both U.S. Senators from West Virginia are applauding a proposal by the administration of President Donald Trump that could provide more than $20 billion to rural broadband over 10 years. 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Trump administration put together the fund through the FCC’s new Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. 

On Friday in a release, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-WV, said, “I am intrigued by the Administration’s proposal and applaud them for highlighting the need for investment in rural broadband. While this announcement signals a positive step forward in bridging the digital divide, unless we fix our broadband coverage maps and ensure this new program has a dedicated amount set aside for places with mountainous terrain, I am concerned West Virginia will not see a dime of this funding. 

“I look forward to reviewing their plan further, following their proposal as it goes through the rule-making process at the FCC and working with the President and the FCC to make sure this new program is in the best interest of West Virginia.” 

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito sent out a tweet saying, “Excited to see @POTUS and @AjitPaiFCC putting rural connectivity front and center today. Looking forward to continuing to work with both of them to better connect communities in West Virginia and throughout rural America. #CapitoConnect”