The West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Office of Broadband, (“WVDED”), will open its BEAD-funded grant program for broadband deployment projects to pre-applications on March 18 and close on May 17, 2024.

The WVDED is tasked with deploying local and federal broadband funds, including $1.2 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (“BEAD”) funding for broadband development in West Virginia. BEAD is administered by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (“NTIA”). This historic investment in broadband infrastructure and related digital inclusion efforts will support West Virginia’s universal broadband access vision to, “Achieve universal broadband coverage and digital equity throughout the State through aggressive broadband deployment goals and a commitment to closing the digital divide through robust equity and inclusion initiatives.”

The pre-application phase in West Virginia will allow applicants to submit information to demonstrate their eligibility and capacity to compete for grants to expand broadband infrastructure to Target Locations in the state using BEAD funding.  This will streamline the application process and review of proposed projects, which will take place later in 2024.  Applicants interested in submitting projects for consideration during the later application phase of the program must submit a pre-application to participate. Pre-applications may be submitted through WVDED’s ZoomGrants Application Portal beginning on March 18 and until May 17, 2024.  Submissions prior to the deadline are strongly encouraged, as pre-applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as submitted. Earlier submission may permit earlier notification to potential BEAD applicants of the outcome of the pre-application review.

Please check broadband.wv.gov frequently for information and updates, including a schedule of informational webinars and in-person workshops, Frequently-Asked-Questions, finalized Program Procedures, updated program Target Locations, and other information.

Thank you for your interest in West Virginia’s BEAD Program.