December 18, 2019

Manchin Announces $5.6 Million To Expand Broadband In Wetzel And Tyler Counties

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today announced $5.6 million for Wetzel and Tyler counties, $2,094,500 and $3,516,000 respectively, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ReConnect Program to expand broadband infrastructure for 3,250 rural households, educational facilities, health care centers, and nearly 200 businesses in the area. The USDA also announced a second round of $550 million in available funding that will be open for applications on January 30th, 2019.

“I am so proud that Wetzel and Tyler counties have been awarded $5.6 million to expand broadband access, which is vital for rural communities like those in West Virginia to compete in the 21st century. Throughout this application process my office has provided support to these counties and other applicants, providing resources and helping to ensure that they were competitive in this funding process. Wetzel and Tyler counties will now be able to ensure that rural communities in these counties have access to reliable broadband, no matter where people live. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was also able to secure an additional $555 million for rural broadband infrastructure expansion through the USDA in the 2020 Appropriations package the Senate will vote on this week. The bill also ensures this funding will be targeted to areas of the country with the largest broadband coverage gaps, including those with challenging mountainous terrain, and directs USDA to make the application process easier and provide better assistance to applicants throughout the process. I will continue to advocate for funding that supports expanding reliable broadband access in rural areas and look forward to supporting the applicants for the additional funding available in January,” said Senator Manchin.