Nearly $5.1 million in broadband grants to aid job seekers, public agencies in W.Va.

Nearly $5.1 million to expand broadband in W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nearly $5.1 million in broadband technology grants will help job seekers across West Virginia and emergency responders and schools in Hardy County.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that WorkForce West Virginia will receive $1.9 million for new computers and other technology to improve access to job information, career counseling and training at 20 career centers throughout the state.

Hardy Telecommunications Inc. is receiving $3.2 million to build a 117-mile fiber-optic network to connect nearly 35 public safety agencies, government offices, health care facilities and schools in Hardy County.

The money is part of $4.7 billion included in 2009 economic stimulus legislation.