Rockefeller dismisses Citynet's objections to broadband plan

Sen Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) has dismissed Citynet's objections to the way the state plans to spend a $126 million federal grant to build broadband infrastructure.

Jim Martin, Citynet's president and chief executive officer, said he's disappointed with Rockefeller's position but plans to continue fighting to change the way the money is spent. Sen Rockefeller and Gov. Joe Manchin (D-WV) both mentioned the federal broadband grant during a press conference held to announce Verizon Wireless' investment in fourth-generation wireless technology in the state. Sen Rockefeller praised Manchin for writing "a fabulous grant." He recalled that Commerce Secretary Gary Locke came to Wheeling in February to announce that West Virginia would receive $126 million. The senator said a lot of people like to criticize the federal stimulus package. Sen Rockefeller, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, did not mention that he authored some of the legislation that put broadband project money in the stimulus package.