CHARLESTON, W.VA — The West Virginia Department of Economic Development Office of Broadband (WVDED) is announcing steps to encourage participation in West Virginia’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. These steps will support applicants applying to serve unserved and underserved locations throughout the State.

More Time to Start Grant Funding Applications for the October 24, 2024 Deadline

During the Full Application Phase, applicants have until October 24, 2024 to submit application materials that propose projects for any of the BEAD eligible locations included in the WVDED Target Areas. WVDED has revised the due date for applicants to start the applications they intend to submit by the deadline. Eligible Pre-Applicants will now have until October 18, 2024 to begin applications in the Full Application Phase by submitting answers to initial questions known in the application materials as the “Introduction.” Note:This deadline applies to applicants that have previously submitted Pre-Applications to WVDED and have received notification and instructions from WVDED related to the Full Application.

An Extension of the Grant Funding Window with More Flexibility

After accepting proposals for all Target Areas during the Full Application Phase which ends on October 24, 2024, WVDED also intends to provide an opportunity to propose additional projects through an Extension of the grant round. The Extension will focus on selected Target Areas to be announced in November 2024. The Extension will offer:

• Sources of funding in addition to BEAD
• Additional flexibility on match requirements
• Additional flexibility to define proposed project areas
• Other types of flexibility for applicants to encourage robust participation in the program.

WVDED will announce the deadline for applications submitted under the Extension in November 2024, and the deadline is expected to be in December 2024.

October 9 Webinar for BEAD Applicants

WVDED continues to host application webinars to review requirements and support applicants. WVDED will conduct an Extension Webinar on October 9, 2024, beginning at 9:30 am. Registration details are available here

WVDED encourages attendance by ISPs and any other entities seeking to expand or provide broadband services to homes, businesses, and CAIs in West Virginia, including cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utilities, public utility districts, or local governments.

While the Application Extension Program Procedures for the BEAD Program are very similar to the West Virginia BEAD Program Procedures, there are some differences, and the webinar will focus on helping potential applicants understand the differences. This Webinar will also briefly discuss the revised deadline for the Full Application Introductions. Please visit broadband.wv.gov for program updates and other information.

Opportunities for New Applicants and Non-Traditional Broadband Service Providers

If you’re not already applying for broadband grant funding in West Virginia, it’s not too late. When the Extension opens, WVDED will permit new entrants to submit a Pre-Application and Extension projects for eligible remaining Target Areas.

WVDED encourages broad participation by all types of broadband service providers, including non-traditional broadband service providers and new entrants to West Virginia’s BEAD program application process. In addition to BEAD, funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission and American Rescue Plan Act will enable the State to consider a variety of project proposals to serve all broadband locations. WVDED encourages new entrants to especially consider match options available during the Extension.

More Details are Available Online

Information about the upcoming Extension is available now. The Application Extension Program Procedures outline adjustments to the Program in the Extension period and relevant changes for additional funding sources. The most recent BEAD Program FAQ update includes questions and answers related to the Extension.

Questions?

WVDED is available to answer questions on this application process and eligibility through the BEAD Question Submission Form available online. Please provide your contact information for follow-up as needed. Thank you for your interest in West Virginia’s BEAD Program.