Joe Manchin III on Technology Democratic WV Governor

States depend on federal government for key infrastructure

But Manchin said states depend on the federal government for key infrastructure like roads, water and sewage lines, and broadband Internet access. Without government, he said, poor, rural states would suffer. "The free enterprise system is not going to go there. They're only going to go where the market is," Manchin said. "And for all of us to have an opportunity there has to be a partnership. The federal government and state government should be your partner, not your provider."

80% of WV households now have broadband

• Since 2005, the state has awarded approximately $81 million in Small Cities Block Grants, leveraging approximately $177 million in state, local and federal funds.
• 80% of West Virginia households now have access to broadband internet, up from 58% in 2004. In February 2010, US Commerce Secretary announced that West Virginia will receive more than $125 million to provide middle mile infrastructure to build out to rural West Virginia, facilitating additional last mile connectivity.