ROMNEY, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today kicked off her Capito Connect broadband tour with several visits in Romney and Capon Bridge. Senator Capito launched her Capito Connect initiative in 2015 as a roadmap to better connect West Virginia homes, businesses, and classrooms. Since launching the initiative, the program has helped increase broadband deployment and accessibility in West Virginia through public-private partnerships and driving more federal funds to the state to support broadband programs.
Through her positions on the Senate Appropriations and Commerce Committees, Senator Capito has been able to leverage federal resources to help complete various broadband infrastructure projects in the state. Today’s tour included several updates on some of these projects.
“One of the primary reasons I created my Capito Connect program was to help communities better understand the benefits of a connected West Virginia by educating them on the federal resources available to them. Six years ago, I visited this region of our state to highlight the need for improved broadband. Today, I saw and learned about several broadband projects the county has underway, which shows the strides communities across our state are taking to better-connect. Both Romney and Capon Bridge are proof of the tremendous progress that can be made when local, state, and federal levels of government all work together. We’ve made steady progress when it comes to closing the digital divide in West Virginia, but there is still much to be done. I’m hopeful we can replicate the successes we saw today in other regions of West Virginia as well.”
Senator Capito first visited downtown Romney where she met with local leaders and viewed the progress of Romney’s sidewalk improvement project. Romney has used this improvement project as an opportunity to install necessary infrastructure to improve connectivity. Next, Senator Capito traveled to Capon Bridge where she saw a demonstration of installed fiber. Following the demonstration, Senator Capito visited SJ Morse to learn about how this new fiber service has positively impacted their business.
Senator Capito sees the progress of Romney’s sidewalk project that includes installing broadband infrastructure.
Senator Capito sees the inside of a utility box where homes and businesses connect in Capon Bridge.
Senator Capito looks at a broadband map in Hampshire County.
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