On July 26, at the inaugural West Virginia Broadband Summit, Governor Jim Justice announced the preliminary approval of nearly $8 million dollars in Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) grant funding for a project that will expand broadband infrastructure in both Preston and Tucker Counties.
Digital Connections, operating under the brand name Prodigi, was awarded a substantial grant of $7,906,924 from the LEAD Program. The project will bring reliable broadband to 644 targeted addresses from Aurora in Preston County into northwestern Tucker County, including the Limestone Mountain area and the communities of Lead Mine, St, George, Parsons, and Hambleton. This innovative initiative is set to drive economic growth and foster greater opportunities in underserved communities.
Funding for the LEAD program is provided through the West Virginia Legislature’s allocation of $100 million to create the West Virginia Broadband Development Fund. The Fund includes $90 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and $10 million in state general revenue funds. Funds are also derived through the ARPA Capital Projects Fund, which includes $136 million for broadband development in West Virginia. The West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Office of Broadband, will administer program funds.
The LEAD Program is designed to fund extensions of existing last-mile cable modem and fiber-to-the-premise broadband networks that can be constructed quickly. Prodigi’s project aligns seamlessly with this mission, aiming to narrow the digital divide and empower residents through equitable access to reliable high-speed internet. The LEAD grant will be complemented by a matching contribution of $50,000 from the Tucker County Commission, resulting in a total financial commitment of $111,000.
“We are beyond excited to embark on this transformative journey in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and the Tucker County Commission,” stated Tim Wotring, President at Prodigi. “Broadband connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for thriving communities. Our mission is to bridge the digital gap in North Central West Virginia, empowering residents with the tools they need to excel in education, business, healthcare, and beyond.”
The project is set to encompass the installation of approximately 141 miles of state-of-the-art fiber infrastructure. This robust network will form the backbone of efficient and lightning-fast broadband connectivity, laying the foundation for future innovation and economic development.
By extending broadband coverage to underserved areas, residents and businesses alike will gain access to essential online services, educational resources, telehealth opportunities, and remote work possibilities, contributing to enhanced quality of life and economic vitality.
Reflecting on the culmination of years of effort, Steve Leyh, Executive Director at the Tucker County Development Authority, remarked, “The receipt of this LEAD award signifies a momentous leap forward in our pursuit of broadening high-speed broadband availability within Tucker County.”
As Prodigi, the Tucker County Commission, and the Tucker County Development Authority forge ahead with this transformative endeavor, they are not merely building broadband infrastructure; they are building bridges to a more prosperous and connected future.