West Virginia officials draw up plan to complete project to expand high-speed Internet access

West Virginia is playing catch up on a delayed project to use federal stimulus funding to expand high-speed Internet access in the state.

Gov.-elect Earl Ray Tomblin's office intends to submit a plan this week to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on the $126.3 million project, said state Homeland Security Director Jimmy Gianato. The money will pay for upgrades to broadband service at libraries, health care facilities, 911 centers, schools, fire stations and public agencies. Federal officials discovered the plan was well behind schedule and ordered the state to come up with a solution. State schools Superintendent Jorea Marple also recently criticized the lack of progress. The state has completed broadband connections at 149 community anchor sites, but has more than 900 to go.