West Virginia’s final application for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) program has been approved, according to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
West Virginia submitted its final proposal for the federal internet expansion program in September, aiming to bring broadband coverage to 74,000 new locations in the state.
“I am thrilled that West Virginia’s BEAD plan has been approved by the Department of Commerce,” Capito said. “This means West Virginia is another step closer to better connecting our homes, businesses and classrooms across the state.
“I have had dozens of conversations with the administration and our state officials, and while there is still a long road ahead to getting more West Virginians connected, we are well on our way with today’s announcement.
“I look forward to continuing to help our state in any way that I can as the plan moves its way through the approval process at NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology).”
The federal Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) had announced the approval of 20 BEAD final proposals as of Thursday.
“Congratulations to West Virginia on the approval of its BEAD final proposal,” said Arielle Roth, assistant secretary for communications and information and NTIA administrator.
“In August, I had the opportunity to visit West Virginia and meet with Sen. Capito, the state broadband office and local providers to discuss the BEAD program and the state’s work to deliver a final proposal that embraced the Benefit of the Bargain reforms while addressing West Virginia’s unique connectivity challenges,” Roth said. “This trip was invaluable in deepening my understanding of those challenges, and I appreciate Sen. Capito’s dedication and longstanding efforts to connect every corner of her state.”
The BEAD program was created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 under President Joe Biden. As initially announced, the program was slated to bring more than $1 billion to West Virginia to fund internet expansion efforts.
The Trump administration paused and then overhauled the program earlier this year, forcing states to revise program procedures and application materials to follow new guidelines.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey, speaking at an event in Parkersburg, expressed hope the application would soon be approved, allowing the state to begin deploying federal funds under the long-delayed federal broadband expansion program.
“When I have more information, I’m going to let you know, but this could be good news for the state,” he said. “We’re going to wait, and I’m hopeful that in the upcoming days I’m going to hear some feedback.”