November 18, 2019

Manchin Applauds Groundbreaking Of Facebook's Fiber Project In West Virginia

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on the groundbreaking of Facebook’s project to lay 275 miles of fiber through West Virginia to connect the Facebook data centers in Ohio and Virginia. The project will construct 275 miles of fiber through West Virginia between Ashburn, VA and Columbus, OH. The state will gain more access to broadband internet while providing Facebook access to the rights-of-way in the state.

“The groundbreaking of Facebook’s project to install fiber in West Virginia is one way for West Virginians to connect our communities. While I am disappointed that Facebook did not choose West Virginia as a site for one of their new data centers, I’ve continued to meet with Facebook about the issues we face in rural America, like access to the reliable broadband all West Virginians deserve and the sale of illegal drugs like opioids on Facebook’s platforms. As a member of the Appropriations committee, I have advocated for West Virginia to receive more funding for broadband so that we can build on recent investments by the tech industry in the state. Over the past several years, technology companies have begun to realize the importance of investing in West Virginia, which is why I recently convened a meeting between Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Co-Chair Tim Thomas and tech companies in the state to underscore this growing sector of the state’s economy. I look forward to seeing more jobs and investments from companies into our great state and will continue to work to bring them to West Virginia,” said Senator Manchin.