Generation West Virginia (GWV) is pleased to announce their support for Senate Bill 459 as legislation important to better attracting and retaining young talent in the state. This bill would provide for the construction of a statewide, state-owned, fiber optic broadband infrastructure network, making WV more attractive to the next generation of tech-savvy businesses and workers.
“I want to thank Senator Chris Walters for sponsoring this bill that moves West Virginia forward,” says Natalie Roper, Generation West Virginia Executive Director. “Broadband access provides the foundation for modern economic development that is so critical to keeping the next generation in West Virginia.”
State-of-the-art infrastructure, such as good roads and excellent schools, attracts businesses and workers to a state. Today, this also includes access to high-speed Internet. With more commerce taking place online, access to broadband is critical in attracting young businesses and employees to the state. According to research by Future Workplace, flexible hours and generous telework policies are even more important to young workers than salary. Further, the American Planning Association shows that 58% of their national survey ranked high-speed Internet access as a high priority in choosing where to live.
Unfortunately, West Virginia lags behind the nation when it comes to access to this important utility. According to new research done by the FCC, nearly 55 percent of the state’s residents lack access to broadband services, which is more than double the national average. In rural areas, this number rises to 74 percent of residents without access to internet.
“This bill would give us the fastest and most affordable fiber optic backbone in the United States,” says Senator Walters. “My generation understands the importance of broadband connectivity, speed, and availability and they’re looking for opportunities to grow businesses in states with this type of access.”
West Virginia State University completed a study which showed that the SB 459 proposed open source broadband middle mile, which costs $78 million, would create 4,000 jobs and increase the state GDP to $919 million just one year post-completion.
“Increasing broadband access is absolutely critical to West Virginia becoming a top destination for entrepreneurs and Millennials to live and work,” says Alissa Novoselick, Co-Chair of Generation West Virginia’s Legislative and Policy Committee.
Generation West Virginia is coordinating a campaign to pass SB 459 to expand broadband access in West Virginia this legislative session. The bill is currently before the Senate Finance Committee. To sign the petition to pass SB 459 and for more information about how to be involved go to generationwv.org/take-action.
