SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Bringing Broadband Through the Mountains
Helping Communities Thrive
In the 21st century , there is arguably no resource more imperative to successful development efforts than broadband . Whether for school , business or personal use , everyone has a need for reliable internet access . However , that access is often hard to find in a state full of mountains and valleys .
The topography of West Virginia has always been one of the most beautiful but challenging characteristics of the state — the wild and wonderful that brings in countless tourists also provides some of the largest hurdles for growth .
“ With the vast differences in elevation and the thick vegetation covering the state , any kind of linear utility work will always have challenges here ,” says Jeffrey Hartley , broadband engineer for The Thrasher Group . “ What may be a simple point A to point B in another state takes a whole lot more steps here .”
In the modern business landscape , though , competitiveness is key , and those extra steps often pose problems . The state has clearly recognized that — whether it ’ s through facilitating broadband grants or providing technical assistance to design fiber routes — West Virginia is making strides to become a more attractive place for development to happen .
Our communities are taking advantage of these new resources .
( 304 ) 624-4108 | thethrashergroup . com 600 White Oaks Boulevard Bridgeport , WV 26330
Two places these resources are clearly paying off are Pendleton and Grant counties . Both received funding from the West Virginia Broadband Investment Plan ’ s Line Extension Advancement and Development grant program , but each has its own goals for implementation . In Pendleton County , education is the name of the game . “ Our schools and libraries will be two of the biggest benefactors from this development ,” says Laura Brown , executive director of the county ’ s Economic Development Authority . “ As centralized information hubs , increasing the connectivity for students , educators and library patrons will make a difference for every member of our community .”
Meanwhile , Grant County is focusing on broadband availability at Mountain Top Industrial Park .
“ Utility access is a huge factor for companies when choosing where to locate ,” says Callie Dayton , Grant County Development Authority ’ s executive director . “ Just as important as access to water and electrical sources is the availability of adequate internet connection .”
No matter the intended use , broadband ’ s impact on development in West Virginia is unparalleled .
“ As a company built on improving local infrastructure , it ’ s truly exciting to work on these projects ,” says Hartley . “ Having a hand in bringing broadband to Pendleton and Grant — or any other number of communities — is a special way to see our state excel .”