awarded to the state through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act . The four programs are the Line Extension and Development ( LEAD ) program , GigReady , the Major Broadband Project Strategies ( MBPS ) program and the Wireless Internet Networks ( WIN ) program .
The LEAD program is helping state residents who don ’ t have broadband access despite a close neighbor having full connectivity by subsidizing sites where it was not profitable for a private company to extend its line any further . This will impact approximately 6,000 households . GigReady offers assistance to local governments and politicians looking to increase broadband activity in their areas . If a local government , municipality or county already has funds set aside for a broadband extension project , it could receive matching funds from GigReady . Another goal of GigReady is to cross municipal and county lines , when necessary , in an effort to make each project more efficient .
MBPS is a major projects program that divides the state into eligible service areas . ISPs , nonprofits and government entities can apply for these funds to help connect every eligible address in their service area . The state has also invested $ 10 million in the WIN program . In areas where it would have taken years to build out fiber — including state parks and other remote areas — the state quickly implemented fixed wireless protocols .
For these programs to be truly successful , the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council will have to undertake its own broadband mapping project separate from the service map created by the FCC , as it is historically inaccurate . However , Morris is optimistic about the impact these investments will have .
“ While there are many factors that will play into the timetable of when every West Virginian has access to broadband , there is more reason than ever to believe and have hope that West Virginia ’ s broadband connectivity problem will be solved in the coming years ,” says Morris . •
West Virginia Broadband Investments Progress Gauge : Road to $ 1 Billion
FCC RDOF USDA ReConnect NTIA WVBIP ARC POWER
USDA Community Connect
ARC Central
Poca Valley Bank is still growing to better serve you .
3800 MacCorkle Ave . SE
After opening its first branch in 1908 in Walton , WV , on the banks of the Pocatalico River , PVB is proudly serving residents of Roane , Kanawha , Putnam , and surrounding counties with branches in Spencer , Walton , Clendenin , Elkview , Sissonville , Poca , Winfield and now Kanawha City . Customer service is our main priority , and we take great pride in developing relationships with our customers .
Linda Ashley , President of Poca Valley Bankshares , has been affiliated with Poca Valley Bank her entire life . She stated , “ We are excited to bring community banking at its finest to the heart of the Kanawha Valley .” PVB offers a full range of banking services including mortgage loans , home equity loans , business loans , auto loans , personal loans , credit cards , debit cards , a full line of checking products , savings accounts , certificates of deposit , ATMs , and online and mobile banking services . At Poca Valley Bank , relationships are our primary focus and we are looking forward to building relationships with residents of the Kanawha City / Charleston areas .
We pride ourselves on being big enough to serve your financial needs — yet small enough to genuinely care about the residents of our communities . Call 844-782-2651 to learn more .
CDBG
Source : broadband . wv . gov
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