A P LAN TO C ONNECT W EST V IRGINIA ’ S C OMMUNITIES
What is Capito Connect? Understanding the Benefits of a Connected West Virginia- By listening to our communities, we can build a West Virginia-specific plan for achieving widespread broadband that meets the unique demands of our state. Fostering Collaboration between Government and the Private Sector - Broadband access will be the result of partnerships between private, local, state and federal agencies and organizations. Fostering collaboration will help eliminate duplicate and outdated programs so that West Virginia can efficiently deliver broadband services to communities. Promoting Economic Growth through Innovation - Broadband should be easily available and affordable for all West Virginians. This will require creative solutions to accommodate broadband users across all sectors, including schools, businesses and private citizens. Through innovative thinking and implementation, West Virginia will achieve the connectivity that will help boost our economy.
Federal Agencies with Broadband Funding: Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Communications Commission U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utility Services U.S. Department of Commerce
Appalachian Regional Commission Information Age Appalachia (IAA) Between 2002 and projects in West Virginia received $2.6 million in funding from ARC. Four Pillars: access to infrastructure training and education e-commerce job creation
Federal Communications Commission Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase I: $4.5 million for West Virginia Phase II: $38 million per year for six years for West Virginia Funds have to be deployed in census tracks determined by the FCC CAF Mobility Fund Targets underserved areas for deployment of 4G wireless networks
Federal Communications Commission Remote Areas Fund $100 million targeted towards the most remote and high cost areas E-Rate Targeted funding for schools and libraries Four uses: telecommunications and dedicated services internal connections internet access basic maintenance of internal connections
Federal Communications Commission Health Care Connect Fund Promotes collaboration between urban and rural providers. Provides a discount on services, payments, and equipment. Skilled Nursing Pilot $50 million over three years to support broadcast connections for skilled nursing facilities in rural areas.
US Department of Agriculture Community Connect Grant Eligible areas are rural communities without minimum speeds of 3Mbps download. Use of funds: the construction, acquisition or leasing of facilities spectrum purchase of land or buildings used in broadband deployment providing broadband service, free of charge, to critical community facilities for two years 2015 Awards: 5 awards to entities in Oklahoma, Virginia, Minnesota, and Alaska Average award: $2,205, Application Window will be announced soon CCProjectSummaries2015.pdf
US Department of Agriculture Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program loans and loan guarantees to eligible telecommunications providers who operate in rural areas and towns with a population of 5,000 or less, or in areas without telecommunications facilities Use of Funds: Construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone and broadband services
US Department of Agriculture Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Use of Funds: acquisition of eligible telecommunication assets instructional programing resources technical assistance and instruction Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000 15% non federal match required Application window: January 12, 2016 to March 14,2016
US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Public works, facilities and technical enhancements programs can include broadband development. Economic Adjustment Assistance Program can be used for planning purposes.
Capito Accomplishments: Appalachian High-speed Broadband Deployment Initiative $10 million allocated to ARC to support increased affordable access to high speed Internet, support distance learning opportunities and the use of telehealth technologies, and promote business development.
Capito Accomplishments: Streamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Act to increase broadband deployment by cutting red tape for companies, states, and local governments who want to install broadband infrastructure on federal land and promotes the simultaneous installation of underground broadband conduit during federal transportation projects. Digital Learning Equity Act of 2015, which supports innovative ways to improve student access to the internet and other digital learning tools outside the classroom in order to close the “homework gap.”
Questions?