Congresswoman Miller Announces Two Grants to Improve Broadband Access in Southern West Virginia

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Miller (WV-3) announced, today, two grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission to improve access to broadband in Southern West Virginia. The first grant, worth $94,787, will go to the Williamson Health and Wellness Center for the Expanding Broadband Access to Grow Economic Development Project. The second grant of $250,000 will go to the Webster County Economic Development Authority for the Webster County Broadband Initiative Phase 1: Engineering Design.

Congresswoman Miller said, "This is fantastic news. We must bring broadband to our rural communities to create opportunities for small business growth in Southern West Virginia. This funding will create new jobs, grow our economy, and help connect our state through increased e-commerce."

The Williamson grant will fund an engineering study for a municipal network to provide enhanced broadband access to Williamson, West Virginia. In addition to ARC funds, the Williamson Health and Wellness Center will provide an additional $23,697, bringing the project total to $118,484.

The Webster County grant will fund an engineering study to analyze existing internet coverage that is inadequate in the area, and design the broadband infrastructure needed to expand service to Webster Springs, Cowen, Parcoal-Curtin, Upperglade, and Camden-on-Gauley.