ON THE ROAD

I visited the dedicated employees at the Charleston Gazette-Mail this week for opportunity to see the innovations being made at this historical media outlet.

I was honored to join Senator Carper and Senator Capito for a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing in Beckley on rural water and wastewater access. Every American deserves fresh air to breathe and clean water to drink. I’m committed to working with bipartisan colleagues to address these critical infrastructure needs.

I fought to ensure that the $678 million our cities and counties received from the American Rescue Plan could be used to upgrade water, sewer, and other vital infrastructure projects. I’m proud of these investments, and this week's field hearing is a good first step toward more.

HOW MAY WE HELP YOU?

Diane of Shepherdstown contacted Senator Manchin's office for assistance obtaining an expedited passport for a family vacation to Greece. After communicating with Senator Manchin's office, the issue was resolved. Click here or the image below to watch how Senator Manchin's office was able to help.

Visit manchin.senate.gov/arp for more information.

MANCHIN APPLAUDS ENHANCING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN BROADBAND FUNDS FOR WEST VIRGINIA
Ninety Percent Of Announced West Virginia Broadband Funding A Result Of Federal Investments
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia Legislature’s announcement of a management plan for significant broadband investments – ninety percent of which is a result of federal funding. This plan will enhance the $136.3 million from the American Rescue Plan to expand affordable, reliable broadband access with an additional $100 million from the state and local American Rescue Plan funds, previously announced funding from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and revenue surplus. Senator Manchin authored the Coronavirus Capital Projects section of the American Rescue Plan and successfully fought to ensure it was included in the final bill.

“I am thrilled the West Virginia state legislature and Governor Justice have decided to enhance the $136.3 million in broadband funding I fought to include in the American Rescue Plan,” Senator Manchin said. “This additional $100 million, ninety percent of which is a result of the American Rescue Plan, will help push that goal across the finish line. I look forward to working with my friends on both sides of the aisle, organizations and businesses to ensure every home, school and business in West Virginia has affordable, reliable access to the Internet.”

MANCHIN ANNOUNCES $12.7 MILLION FROM AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN TO EXPAND BROADBAND ACCESS THROUGH 19 WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES 
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced $12,760,030 from the American Rescue Plan for 19 West Virginia schools and libraries as part of the second round of the Emergency Connectivity Fund. This funding is distributed through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help schools and libraries purchase laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connections for students, staff and library visitors. In September, Senator Manchin announced $4,188,368 in the first round of the Emergency Connectivity Fund. To date, West Virginia has received $16,948,398 for 30 schools and libraries from the Emergency Connectivity Fund.
 
“Affordable, reliable broadband access is essential for West Virginians to complete their homework, attract new businesses, compete for good-paying jobs and spur economic development across the state. Throughout the last year, I have successfully fought to provide short-term solutions for broadband connectivity during the pandemic, including hotspots. The American Rescue Plan continues to deliver historic investments in broadband access across the Mountain State through the Emergency Connectivity Fund and other programs. To date, the Emergency Connectivity Fund has invested nearly $17 million in 25 West Virginia schools and libraries to purchase laptops, hotspots and other materials needed for Wi-Fi access. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this important investment, and I will continue fighting to deliver affordable, reliable broadband access to all of West Virginia,” said Senator Manchin.
 
The Emergency Connectivity Fund was authorized in the American Rescue Plan earlier this year to provide $7.17 billion to expand distance learning and connectivity around the country, including key provisions authored by Senator Manchin which prioritized rural areas and made these funds fully reimbursable to ensure rural states like West Virginia do not have to bear the burden of higher costs. The FCC will continue to review applications and future funding awards are expected in coming weeks. The second round of applications through the Emergency Connectivity Fund will close today, October 13th.