West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 208 - Broadband Deployment Council
Overview of Agency 208 – Broadband Deployment Council
The Broadband Deployment Council in West Virginia is responsible for expanding broadband internet access across the state, particularly in unserved and underserved areas. The council administers grants, evaluates broadband projects, and sets rules for deployment to ensure efficiency, transparency, and economic benefit.
This is codified under Title 208, Series 208-01 of the West Virginia Code of State Rules.
Key Sections of Agency 208
1. Section 208-1-1 – General
Defines the purpose and scope of the council.
The main goal is to promote broadband infrastructure deployment.
Ensures coordination among state agencies, local governments, and private providers.
2. Section 208-1-2 – Definitions
Provides clear definitions for terms like:
Broadband: Minimum speed thresholds defined by the state.
Unserved area: Regions with little or no broadband access.
Applicant: Entity requesting grant funds.
Ensures consistent interpretation across all rules.
3. Section 208-1-3 – Confidential and Proprietary Information
Protects sensitive information submitted by applicants.
Defines confidential data and how it must be handled.
Council members must not disclose trade secrets, business plans, or proprietary technical information.
4. Section 208-1-4 – Broadband Deployment Council Grant Program
Establishes a grant program for broadband expansion.
Application requirements:
Specify geographic areas and type of service gap.
Include estimated costs and requested assistance.
Show economic impact and cost-effectiveness.
Ensures funds are directed to projects that maximize coverage and development.
5. Section 208-1-5 – Required Public Notice
Council must issue public notices before awarding grants.
Ensures transparency and opportunity for public comment.
6. Section 208-1-6 – Application Evaluation
Establishes evaluation criteria for grant applications:
Technical feasibility.
Cost-effectiveness.
Project’s impact on unserved populations.
Economic development benefits.
The council ranks applications based on merit and priority.
7. Section 208-1-7 – Conflict of Interest
Council members must disclose potential conflicts.
Prevents members from influencing grants where they have personal or financial interest.
Ensures fair and impartial decision-making.
8. Section 208-1-8 – Award of Grants
Describes how grants are awarded:
Based on evaluation scores.
Subject to available funding.
May include conditions or milestones for fund release.
Ensures that awarded projects align with state broadband goals.
9. Section 208-1-9 – Reimbursement, Reporting, Record Keeping, and Auditing
Outlines financial accountability for grant recipients:
How funds will be reimbursed.
Reporting requirements on project progress and expenses.
Proper record keeping for auditing purposes.
State audits to ensure compliance with program rules.
Key Points
The Council ensures broadband projects target unserved or underserved areas.
Applicants must demonstrate both technical capability and economic impact.
Transparency, fairness, and proper use of funds are core principles.
The Council serves as both a funding body and a policy guide for broadband deployment in the state.
RELATED Blog
0 comments