Verizon West Virginia will provide funding for West Virginia University Extension Service to purchase fiber that will equip WVU Jackson’s Mill with high-speed Internet service to cottages and conferencing facilities.

Verizon will provide $25,000 to purchase the fiber as part of a $500,000 upgrade of WVU Jackson’s Mill’s infrastructure.

“Our children are growing up in a world where they communicate, learn and share ideas digitally,” said B. Keith Fulton president of Verizon West Virginia. “Interactive technology has had a tremendous impact on our society, and its role will continue to grow with further advances. We are pleased to take part in this infrastructure project with WVU.”

Work began last summer on the infrastructure project, which will include high- and low-voltage electric upgrades and buried electric lines. The project should be completed by late summer 2010.

“We’re thrilled that Verizon West Virginia is helping WVU Jackson’s Mill upgrade its infrastructure,” said David E. Miller, associate provost and director of WVU Extension Service. “This project will allow us to improve our conferencing capabilities and provide much-needed upgrades to our Internet service.”

Verizon has contributed more than $100,000 to WVU Extension Service over the last three years, including support of the Kanawha Cottage, Community Development Institute East, Energy Express, and the Alpha I Wired & Wonderful Camp.

“We greatly appreciate Verizon’s continued support of our programs, facilities, and people,” Miller said. “The company has been tremendously generous to WVU Extension Service.”

All of Verizon’s gifts have been made through the WVU Foundation, a private nonprofit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University.

-WVU-

01/12/10

CONTACT: Julie Cryser, West Virginia University Extension
304-293-5691, Julie.Cryser@mail.wvu.edu