Pocahontas News

 

Based on the sources, there are several mentions of grants and funding in Pocahontas County across various sectors, particularly concerning the school system, infrastructure development (broadband), healthcare, and housing initiatives.

Regarding Pocahontas County Schools:

• The school district was awarded a grant of $408,631 from the 2024 COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program for school safety enhancements.
• Pocahontas County Schools was included in a state initiative where the Governor and School Building Authority approved $150 million for new schools and major renovations across 18 counties.
• The school district's financial report includes a fund specifically for Federal Grants, showing total revenues of $2,704,758.73 in FY 2023-2024 and budgeted revenues of $3,736,213.18 for FY 2024-2025 in this fund.
• Federal funds are used to provide funding and support for interventionists at each elementary school.
• The county Board of Education cited rising costs and decreased federal and state funding as reasons for potential budget cuts.

For Infrastructure and Broadband Access:

• Achieving universal, reliable, high-speed broadband remains a significant hurdle despite multiple ongoing initiatives.
• Accuracy of broadband mapping is crucial as it influences federal funding eligibility. Discrepancies between federal and state maps can lead to areas missing out on vital upgrade funds.
• The federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is a major source of funding, but as of April 2024, this funding was reported as delayed or under review. CityNet had prepared a BEAD application, and an ISP plan for BEAD was anticipated for submission around April 2025, aiming to serve unserved or underserved addresses not covered by other programs.
• The ARC Broadband Project's environmental review concluded in December 2024, with construction anticipated to commence in April 2025.
• The WV Line Extension and Development (LEAD) project involves CityNet and Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Company (SKSR), with a completion target of June 2026.
• Frontier Communications, under its Rural Development Opportunity Fund (RDOF) commitments, is planning projects in Pocahontas County, with construction expected to start in spring 2025. Verizon, which is acquiring Frontier, has committed to completing these RDOF obligations. However, a degree of "mistrust" regarding Frontier's commitments was noted.
• The complexity of relying on multiple, often overlapping, grant-funded projects from different providers necessitates strong local coordination to ensure efficient buildout and avoid duplication.
• Green Bank Observatory staff are involved in advocacy at the county level to lobby for new high-quality internet service providers and funding to improve internet infrastructure.
• Continued advocacy for and effective management of state and federal broadband grants will be vital for future progress. Improved connectivity is considered the most critical enabler for the county's future.

In Healthcare:

• The financial sustainability of rural hospitals like Pocahontas Memorial Hospital (PMH) is often a concern. Grant funding is highlighted as important for the hospital's long-term viability. PMH received funds in January 2025 for multiple upgrades.

Regarding Affordable Housing:

• Pocahontas County was designated as a Build WV zone last year, a state initiative to build more affordable housing. Developers whose projects are approved can receive a sales tax exemption on building materials and property tax credits.
• While this tax credit is seen as a "great start," a local resident involved in property rentals and development indicated it is not enough to fully address the economics of developing affordable properties.

Other mentions of funding include:

• The Green Bank Observatory receives two-thirds of its funding from the federal government through the National Science Foundation, with the remaining funding coming from contracts with universities and businesses.
• The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) engages in wildlife conservation efforts, partly funded through mechanisms like hunting and fishing license sales.
• Mountain State Spotlight, the independent news organization, relies on reader generosity to fund its journalism.

In summary, grants and federal/state funding play a significant role in supporting key services and initiatives in Pocahontas County, including education, broadband expansion, healthcare upgrades, and affordable housing projects. However, challenges exist in securing and managing this funding, as seen in the delays in broadband funding and concerns about the adequacy of housing incentives. The school system also faces financial pressures, partly attributed to decreased federal and state funding.