Commerce Secretary announces funding for broadband Internet access - WTRF-TV

WHEELING -- Thursday Sen. Jay Rockefeller joined U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, NTIA Administrator Larry Strickling, Gov. Joe Manchin, Congressman Allan B. Mollohan, and Congressman Nick Rahall to announce more than $130 million in funding for broadband internet access for West Virginia. Rockefeller is Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee which oversees broadband initiatives.

“This major funding is a real game-changer for West Virginia—I cannot overstate how many lives are going to be impacted and how thrilled I am to make this announcement with Secretary Locke and Administrator Strickling,” said Rockefeller. “This funding is about universal access to the internet so that no West Virginian is ever left behind. This is about staying competitive at a time when nations around the globe have invested billions in state-of-the-art technology. And most importantly, this is about creating much needed, good paying high-tech jobs and economic growth—precisely the type of long-term investment I fight for every day for every West Virginian...”