Governor Justice (R-WV) Announces Additional Preliminary Approval for LEAD Round 2

Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) has issued the preliminary approval of approximately $5.5 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) program of the West Virginia Broadband Investment Plan. These funds will be used to deploy fiber-to-the-home infrastructure capable of delivering high speeds and reliable service. Citynet, LLC will receive funding for their Pocahontas-Marlinton, Hillsboro, Slatyfork, Valley Head project located in Pocahontas County, extending broadband access to targeted locations in rural communities. This LEAD project will deploy approximately 150 miles of new fiber infrastructure to connect 601 targeted locations in Pocahontas County. Additionally, Citynet’s award will connect several locations in Valley Head, Randolph County. With Citynet’s contribution of $789,500 in matching funds, this project will create a total investment of $6,306,000. Funding for the West Virginia Broadband Investment Plan, LEAD program is provided through the West Virginia Legislature’s allocation of $100 million to create the West Virginia Broadband Development Fund.