WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $99,999 for Shepherd University through the National Science Foundation (NSF). This funding will support bringing fiber optic connectivity to Shepherd University’s campus, and improve overall access to internet for students, staff, and faculty.
“NSF continues to be a steadfast partner to West Virginia, and I am very encouraged to see this funding heading to our state to support an important project like this one. Improving connectivity is crucial to our state’s success, especially in regards to our students and their educational journey. Through efforts like my Capito Connect plan and my committee assignments, I’ve been committed to bridging the digital divide, and I’ll continue these efforts to make sure West Virginia has access to reliable, affordable broadband,” Senator Capito said.
“Across West Virginia, broadband access continues to be a critical issue for many West Virginians, especially our students who have adapted to learning from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But many of our students are at a disadvantage because of their limited access to reliable broadband, which is necessary to do their schoolwork,” said Senator Manchin. “I am pleased to see Shepherd University and the National Science Foundation are working to expand broadband access in the Eastern Panhandle to ensure students have access to reliable broadband. I will continue to fight for the expansion of broadband access and make sure that West Virginia gets its fair share of federal funding and investments. The creation of a public feedback system by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fix its incorrect broadband coverage maps is critical to rural states like West Virginia receiving federal funding to expand broadband access. No West Virginian should be left behind by the digital divide.”
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