Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito recently addressed the 6th annual West Virginia Focus Forward Conference in Morgantown, discussing her efforts to bridge the digital divide in the state. Senator Capito, a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, highlighted the progress made in bringing reliable internet access to West Virginia since launching the Capito Connect initiative in 2015.

"While we have made great progress in our goal to bring internet access to West Virginia, we must continue to focus on finding ways to deliver broadband capabilities to that last home, last school, last hospital, and last business," Senator Capito stated during her remarks at the conference. She also emphasized the impact of the $1.2 billion in broadband funding secured for West Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Donna Peduto, Executive Director of the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative, expressed gratitude for Senator Capito's participation in the conference, noting her advocacy for broadband access in the state. "As one of West Virginia's staunchest broadband champions, she knows the challenges, realities, and opportunities around broadband and digital connectivity. We thank her for her leadership and time today," Peduto said.

The conference, which brings together business, government, and education leaders to explore forward-thinking ideas, focused on the importance of broadband in preparing for a digital world where newer technologies integrate into all aspects of society. Senator Capito's vision for West Virginia's digital future resonated with attendees dedicated to setting the state up for success.

Photos from the event show Senator Capito delivering remarks and engaging with participants at the conference, underscoring the importance of broadband access in shaping West Virginia's future.