ReConnect Workshop Held At Capitol

The West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council and the West Virginia Department of Commerce sponsored a “ReConnect Program” workshop at the Capitol to give attendees a greater understanding of a federal funding program that is allocating up to $600 million in loans and grants to build broadband infrastructure in rural America. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new funding program, the Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program), which makes funding opportunities available to telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities. The workshop provided participants information for the development of an application to the USDA program. Resources included a briefing guide; mapping resources guide; and a powerpoint presentation. The USDA has created a comprehensive resource portal for program information, which includes technical assistance webinars and a listing of regional workshops. The Department of Commerce and the Broadband Council will sponsor future workshops in addition to the ones offered by the USDA. Please check back often for updates.