Elkins, West Virginia, a coal town of just over 7,000 people, will receive $1.7 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The funds will come from the Economic Adjustment Assistance program, EDA’s most flexible program, which is supporting a wide variety of initiatives across the country. In Elkins, the ARP funds will expand on the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act funding for high-speed internet access by supporting 58 miles of aerial fiber to reach underserved communities in Randolph and Tucker counties.
This investment is expected to generate 75 new jobs, retain 82 jobs, and result in $13.8 million in private investment.
Elkins is one of several communities receiving funds as a part of the $300 million Coal Communities Commitment.
