CHARLESTON, W.VA — Today, the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Office of Broadband (WVDED) is extending the application window of the West Virginia BEAD Program for select Target Areas. This Extension applies to areas without applications following the initial Full Application deadline or those at risk of lacking viable projects. The Extension opens on November 13, 2024, and closes on December 19, 2024.

Program Background

WVDED is responsible for deploying local and federal broadband funds, including $1.2 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding aimed at broadband expansion in West Virginia. Administered by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA), this initiative aims to achieve universal broadband access across the state.

The Full Application phase (August 26 – October 24) gathered project proposals for West Virginia’s broadband serviceable locations. Now, the Extension focuses on remaining Target Areas that currently lack viable projects or are at risk of not receiving any.

During the Extension, additional funding for broadband deployment will be accessible through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF).

Extension Target Areas

Eligible Target Areas for the Extension will be made available to Extension Applicants. These areas are eligible for CPF and SLFRF projects, as well as ARC non-construction matching funds. Applicants are encouraged to review the Extension Program Procedures and the Extension Overview webinar for detailed guidance.

Notably, some Target Regions have undergone boundary rearrangements to enhance project viability. Regions with revised boundaries are renumbered to avoid confusion.

Pre-Application Requirements

The Pre-Application phase in West Virginia enables applicants to submit eligibility and capacity documentation. Applicants need only submit one Pre-Application for all proposed projects. Applicants who completed a Pre-Application previously can proceed with project proposals. Those who have not submitted a Pre-Application may do so now, but will only be eligible for projects in Extension Target Areas.

Completing an Extension Application

To submit an Extension Application or a Pre-Application, please visit WVDED’s ZoomGrants Application Portal. The submission window for these applications is open from November 13, 2024, until December 19, 2024. For access to the West Virginia Application Resources master folder, including GIS data and instructions, contact WVDED at luke.n.peters@wv.gov.

Upcoming Webinar for Applicants

WVDED will offer webinars to assist applicants with the Extension application process. Recorded video tutorials on key requirements and the application workbook will be available at broadband.wv.gov.

WVDED invites participation from ISPs and entities interested in expanding broadband services across West Virginia, including cooperatives, nonprofits, public-private partnerships, private companies, utilities, and local governments.

Questions?

For questions on the application process and eligibility, please use the BEAD Question Submission Form available on the WVDED website. Remember to include your contact details for follow-up.

Thank you for supporting broadband expansion in West Virginia through the BEAD Program.