WELLSBURG -- Brooke County Commissioners will be part of a delegation to Charleston next week seeking funding for the extension of high-speed Internet service to this region.
On Tuesday, Commission President A.J. Thomas said they will be accompanied by representatives of the Hancock County Commission, the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission and Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle.
Thomas noted BHJ conducted a study for the two counties showing a strong need for broadband among business leaders, emergency officials and others, including residents who would like to work from home.
"No other counties have done that homework," said Thomas.
The state has received about $160 million in federal pandemic relief funds for broadband expansion.
But it's not clear if state officials intend to pursue the goal in a statewide effort or divide the funds among counties for their own efforts.
"Our hope is they will come up with a statewide plan but start with us," said county Commissioner Stacey Wise, who added, "We're hoping they'll start from the top down."
Because of the commissioners' visit, their next regular meeting has been moved from Tuesday to 10:30 a.m. Monday.
In other business, the commission revised its contract with the Schindler Elevator Corp. for a new elevator system at the courthouse.
Wise said there had been a misprint stating the cab carrying people would have two doors instead of one.
The $113,500 project is being funded in part by a $100,000 grant from the state Courthouse Facilities Improvement Council, with the commission providing a 10% match.
Following the meeting, Wise said the work isn't expected to begin for at least a month, as crews are awaiting the shipment of parts.
She said it's expected to occur over a few days and the public will be notified about when the elevator will be closed.
Wise said in the event handicapped visitors come to the courthouse on those days, staff will make an effort to assist them in the building's ground floor lobby.