West Virginia officials prepare for changes to federal broadband expansion program

After three years of working with the federal government for more than $1 billion in broadband expansion funding, state officials are bracing for what will come next after a pause was announced. West Virginia Broadband Office Director Kelly Workman said they are expecting changes in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program but aren’t quite sure what those might include.  Officials with the Trump administration announced a “rigorous review” of the $42.5 billion program. “There are some suggestions that have been raised concerning efficiencies that can be gained through the environmental review process,” Workman told the state Broadband Enhancement Council. “We know the Department of Treasury followed an expedited process for the American Rescue Plan projects that has worked very well.”