West Virginia Awarded $1.4 Million for Broadband Mapping

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced on Friday it would award approximately $1.4 million to the state of West Virginia for broadband mapping and planning activities. The grant comes from NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development grant program, which is funded by

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced on Friday it would award approximately $1.4 million to the state of West Virginia for broadband mapping and planning activities. The grant comes from NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development grant program, which is funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

Data collected by the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey will be collected between 2009 and 2011, and will be made part of NTIA’s national broadband map which will be used by policymakers and consumers to gauge information on broadband internet service availability.

“Broadband access is the gateway to the modern economy and a key factor in bringing jobs to more Americans,” said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. “This program will further efforts to increase broadband deployment and adoption in West Virginia and nationwide, helping to chart the course for sustained economic recovery.”