New legislation will create a Broadband Deployment Fund in West Virginia.

Thanks to new legislation proposed by Gov. Joe Manchin, West Virginia is one step closer to their goal of universal high speed Internet by 2010. The legislation, which was passed on Saturday, March 8th, will create a Broadband Deployment Fund and a Broadband Deployment Council in order to extend high speed Internet access to areas of West Virginia that are currently without it.

The Broadband Deployment Fund will collect money from gifts, donations and budget appropriations to be distributed to parties that apply for financial backing for access projects as well as award funding. The Broadband Deployment Council will be made up of seven members, including a representative from the Communications Workers of America, and will be chaired by the Governor.

Elaine Harris, a CWA Staff Representative in West Virginia who has been working on this initiative, reports:

We're excited that CWA will have a seat at the table to make sure that every person in West Virginia has access to affordable, high-speed Internet. This shows that CWA is considered an important player in setting telecom policy in this state.

This legislation is great news for the people of West Virginia. By setting a goal for universal statewide access, dedicating money, creating a council, and including unions in the council, West Virginians will benefit greatly from this effort.

Bill aims to help state meet 2010 broadband goal (Charleston Daily Mail)

Late legislation includes Web access, drug agency (West Virginia Gazette)

HB 4637 (West Virginia Legislature)