WorkForce West Virginia receives $1.9 million broadband grant

    CHARLESTON — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced a $1.9 million Recovery Act investment to enhance and expand public-use computers, connection speeds and wireless capabilities at 20 WorkForce West Virginia One Stop field offices across the state.

    Funds will bridge the technology gap and increase economic opportunities for the unemployed or disabled, veterans, youth, older adults and low-income individuals in West Virginia. 

    Although One Stop locations have existing computer equipment, most lack the resources to offer a modern computer center or the ability to provide a true broadband Internet experience.

    “Broadband technology is a must-have career tool,” said Russell Fry, acting executive director for WorkForce West Virginia. “Funding will allow us to replace all of the existing computer workstations at the centers, add new workstations and serve almost 2,300 additional users per week, nearly doubling current traffic.”

    WorkForce West Virginia will purchase new equipment for each center, upgrade to faster broadband connections and add video conferencing at each site. Upgrades will give clients the opportunity to improve existing skills, learn a new skill and find jobs.

    This is the second grant awarded to West Virginia by the U.S. Department of Commerce for broadband development in recent weeks. Last month, a $126 million award was announced that will take the state’s technology infrastructure to a new level, particularly for the more rural parts of West Virginia.

WorkForce West Virginia is a network of work force development services designed to provide West Virginia's citizens and employers the opportunity to succeed in today’s competitive global economy. For more information, visit www.workforcewv.org .

WorkForce West Virginia receives $250,000 grant for regional economic development

    CHARLESTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded WorkForce West Virginia a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to help the Advantage Valley region of West Virginia and nearby counties in Kentucky and Ohio establish economic development plans that will create long-term sustainable growth and employment opportunities.

    “West Virginia is committed to doing all we can to address changing economic conditions,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “Funding from this grant will help make sure we have a well-trained work force capable of meeting current and future workplace challenges.”

    Implementation of the plan includes determining the strengths and weaknesses of the Advantage Valley region, identifying target industries and helping displaced workers train and connect with available jobs.

    “WorkForce West Virginia and our partners will collaborate to establish economic and education projects that offer area workers high-quality career opportunities and promote business growth in the Advantage Valley region, "said Russell Fry, acting executive director for WorkForce West Virginia.

    Advantage Valley was created in 1996 to promote the region along I-64 from Montgomery, W.Va., to Ashland, Ky. The region was later expanded and now includes Boone, Clay, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam and Wayne counties in West Virginia; Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties in Kentucky; and Lawrence County, Ohio.

    "Advantage Valley is grateful for the support received from the Governor's Office, the West Virginia Department of Commerce and WorkForce West Virginia for this project,” said Mike Herron, Advantage Valley president. “We are anxious to begin working on plans to strengthen the area's identity and refining a strategic plan that supports regional goals that will help ensure that the area's work force remains globally competitive.”

    WorkForce West Virginia is a network of work force development services designed to provide West Virginia's citizens and employers the opportunity to succeed in today’s competitive global economy. For more information, visit www.workforcewv.org .