CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the below statement following West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s billion dollar broadband strategy announcement.

“I congratulate Governor Justice on this announcement, which will help us continue our work together to better connect West Virginia. From online business startups to digital learning and telemedicine, broadband access is critical to the strength of our economy and our communities. That’s why improving connectivity in West Virginia has been a top priority since day one. It’s also why I created my Capito Connect plan, which has been very successful since launching in 2015. I’m thrilled Governor Justice and other leaders at the state level are also prioritizing broadband. This billion dollar broadband strategy goes hand in hand with my Capito Connect plan by utilizing funding that I—along with others—have worked hard to secure to address our broadband challenges. Working together at the federal, state, and local levels is what it will take to bridge the digital divide, and I will continue working with the governor and others, while also utilizing my roles on the Commerce and Appropriations Committees, to make sure we are delivering all of the tools needed to better connect West Virginia.”

The plan, which the governor announced today, will bring broadband availability to 200,000 more West Virginia homes and businesses. The plan will combine funding from federal, state, and local governments, along with matching investments from private-sector partners, to accelerate the expansion of high-speed internet to underserved areas of the state.

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