CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Jim Justice announced the preliminary approval of over $3.9 million in Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) program funds for various broadband infrastructure projects.
This allocation of state funding, in the amount of $3,922,732 will leverage $872,500 in additional funds, for a total broadband infrastructure investment of $4,795,232.
The investment will result in approximately 55 miles of new fiber infrastructure and will provide broadband connectivity to approximately 650 homes and businesses in West Virginia.
“My Billion-Dollar Broadband Strategy is really on the move. I could not be more proud of this announcement today,” Gov. Justice said. “By providing more and more of our communities with access to high-speed internet, West Virginia will be able to truly compete on the world stage. Businesses will be able to get a leg up by utilizing all the most cutting-edge technology at their disposal and residents will be able to tap into the benefits that broadband gives all of us. It’s a win-win for everybody.
“We are opening the door to a bright new future,” Gov. Justice continued. “All West Virginians should be incredibly proud and excited for the advances that this program will inspire and the goodness it is going to bring to our state.”
Gov. Justice previously announced the preliminary approval of another $17.4 million in LEAD program funds in the first round of grants awarded as part of his Billion-Dollar Broadband Strategy. With today’s announcement, the total amount approved through the program to date now exceeds $21.3 million.
The third round of approvals will be issued in the coming weeks.
Broadband projects receiving LEAD program funds listed below:
Citynet: Shavers Fork, Helvetia, Crestview
LEAD Program Funds: $788,522
Matching Funds: $197,000
Total Project Cost: $985,522
Estimated Fiber Mileage: 10
Targeted Addresses: 278
Project Summary: WVBIP LEAD funds will be awarded to Citynet for the expansion of broadband service to 278 targeted addresses in Taylor and Randolph Counties. The project will include the installation of approximately 10 miles of fiber infrastructure to provide broadband service in the project area.
Shenandoah Cable Television Shenandoah Cable Television: North Fork Highway, Sunrise Drive and Corners Road, Grant County
LEAD Program Funds: $420,630
Matching Funds: $238,500
Total Project Cost: $659,130
Estimated Fiber Mileage: 9
Targeted Addresses: 141
Project Summary: WVBIP LEAD funds will be awarded to Shentel for the expansion of broadband service to 141 targeted addresses in Grant County. The project will include the installation of approximately 9.5 miles of fiber infrastructure to provide broadband service in the project area.
Lingo Networks: Eastern Pendleton County, Phase I
LEAD Program Funds: $2,296,596
Matching Funds: $297,000
Total Project Cost: $2,593,596
Estimated Fiber Mileage: 31
Targeted Addresses: 106
Project Summary: WVBIP LEAD funds will be awarded to Lingo Networks for the expansion of broadband service to 106 targeted addresses in Pendleton County. The project will include the installation of approximately 31.5 miles of fiber infrastructure to provide broadband service in the project area.
Hardy Telecommunications: South Mill Creek Road, Grant County
LEAD Program Funds: $416,984
Matching Funds: $140,000
Total Project Cost: $556,984
Estimated Fiber Mileage: 5
Targeted Addresses: 117
Project Summary: WVBIP LEAD funds will be awarded to Hardy Telecommunications for the expansion of broadband service to 117 targeted addresses in Grant County. The project will include the installation of approximately 5 miles of fiber infrastructure to provide broadband service in the project area.
