IN BRIDGEPORT, W.VA. The US Department of Agriculture has said that it will spend $25 million to improve high-speed internet service in West Virginia’s rural areas.
This money comes from the Broadband Technical Assistance Program and is meant to help local groups, unions, and Tribes connect more rural areas to the Internet.
Officials say that the money can be used for projects like feasibility studies, network designs, hiring efforts, helping with application development, and more.
Thorn said, “Having fast and reliable internet service is not a luxury in this day and age; it’s a necessity.” “High-speed internet opens up new opportunities in our rural communities, whether it’s in business, education, or health care.” Working with local groups to make this important resource easier to access and use is helping to close the digital gap for everyone in the Mountain State, no matter where they live.
With today’s news, the program will get more money for the second time. The program got 96 applications in its first round, asking for a total of $44.5 million. Generation West Virginia was given a $610,116 grant in West Virginia to help provide high-speed internet in rural parts of southern West Virginia.
In this second round, people who want to apply must do so through one of two groups. Those who apply to give technical assistance may be able to get $100,000 to $1 million in funds, and those who apply to receive technical assistance may be able to get $50,000 to $500,000.
As of today, June 21, the department is now taking applications. By August 20th, applications must be sent online through Grants.gov.
Source: WDTV
