U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito heard encouraging news in her visit to Jackson County on April 18. She brought much anticipated news as well.
In a visit to the Jackson County Development Authority, West Virginia’s senator spoke with representatives from two companies.
Mike Clark, the regional retail director and clinical pharmacist from Firelands and Tariff Labs, discussed the issues surrounding the legalization of recreational cannabis. The company has opened a 37,000-square-foot facility that grows medical cannabis that is distributed to two dispensaries in West Virginia.
American Medicines Company’s owner Crystal Mersh discussed her plans to open a large pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in West Virginia. A Calhoun County native, Mersh is considering locations in Roane and Jackson counties, along with other possibilities.
Updates on a multi-county regional broadband plan were shared with the senator by Melissa O’Brien of Thomas & Litton, chief engineers of the project.
When the two-phase project is completed, 287.4 miles of aerial fiber will be installed. Homes that are either not served by any internet provider, or are severely underserved, will be the target. A total of 5,100 homes have been identified.
Each of the seven counties was asked to give funds in support, with six of those doing so. The Jackson County Commission encumbered $1 million. CityNet will provide the broadband service in areas not covered by Frontier Communications or CommNet Wireless.
“These funds will be matched at a higher rate,” said O’Brien. “Ultimately this will result in a $42.3 million investment.”
Grants will play an important role in the funding. The Roane County Economic Development Authority, which is spearheading the grant, applied for, but did not receive, a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the U.S. Department of Commerce.
O’Brien said a ‘gig-ready’ grant is one that is to be decided soon.
“We have high hopes for that one,” she said.
Sen. Capito said she is pleased with the planning and focus on broadband.
“It’s very important that any funds are administered well,” she said. “We can expand in Ripley, for example, and Sandyville would still be in need. I know the counties will choose the areas wisely.”
Mark Whitley, director of both Roane and Jackson’s development authorities, said that one vital area that will be upgraded is the industrial park in Millwood.
“We can’t attract business without good stable internet,” he said. “We appreciate the senator’s interest in our area and these face-to-face meetings help her to understand the challenges we face, along with the very positive strides we are making.”
Attracting businesses and improving the quality of life of the town’s citizens was the impetus for the $3 million from the congressionally directed spending funds allotted to the Ripley wastewater project.
Sen. Capito made the official announcement at a reception attended by several county and city officials, along with interested citizens.
The bipartisan infrastructure package made these funds available for water and sewage improvements.
“Having this type of development is essential if you’re going to grow,” said Sen. Capito. “It’s how you meet the challenges of adding new businesses, residents and schools.”
The wastewater plant, along with the replacement of lines from Evans, an area that Ripley’s plant serves, has a total cost based on low bids submitted at nearly $27 million. This is considerably higher than the bond ordinance passed by the Ripley City Council.
In addition to the senator’s announcement, County Commission President Dick Waybright said that $1 million of American Rescue Plan monies have been designated for the project.