MARLINTON — The Pocahontas County Broadband Council is excited to announce a public celebration of the ARC Broadband Project on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 10:45 a.m. at Pocahontas County High School Auditorium.

The event coincides with the start of construction on the Appalachian Regional Council (ARC) Broadband Project that provides fiber to homes, farms, and businesses across Pocahontas County — from Marlinton to Minnehaha Springs and north to Dunmore.

“This fiber project will put our county on the same playing field as our urban neighbors, providing high-quality, reliable, and affordable broadband service in the hands of our residents, students, and businesses. Access to education, business, telemedicine, and on-line governmental services is essential to our modern lives and this infrastructure is critical to our success,” said Mike Holstine, a founding member of the Pocahontas County Broadband Council and a member of the WV State Broadband Enhancement Council. “We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with everyone involved in making this dream a reality.”

During the celebration, attendees will hear from the Council, broadband partners, and elected officials about the role of high-speed internet in supporting economic development, on the collaborative efforts behind the ARC project. and outline career opportunities in broadband infrastructure and installation. Information for customers on the fiber network route will be available from the internet service provider (ISP) CityNet.

In 2022, the ARC awarded $2.8 million in POWER funds to the Pocahontas County Commission for expanding broadband service in central and northern Pocahontas County. The Commission, CityNet, and the State of WV contributed an additional $1.083 million in matching funds for a project cost of nearly $4M. This funding will support the deployment of 49 miles of gigabit last-mile fiber infrastructure.

The public is invited to join the Broadband Council, elected officials and students of Pocahontas County High School, for the event. Light refreshments will be served by PCHS ProStart students.