CHARLESTON, W.Va. – House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, today announced he has appointed Delegate Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, to succeed him on the state Broadband Enhancement Council.

In 2015, the Legislature reconstituted the Council – now composed of 13 members plus two appointees each from the House and Senate – to explore and promote ways to expand access to broadband services across the state. Speaker Hanshaw has been the House Republican appointee on the committee since 2016.

“Broadband infrastructure is as vital and transformative to our economy today as the interstate highway system was in the 20th century,” Speaker Hanshaw said. “Creating an adequate broadband system in our state is essential to provide quality education and health care systems and a vibrant economy. I know Delegate Linville shares our vision of building up a world-class broadband infrastructure system in our state, and know he will be a great asset to this Council.”

“I’m honored for this appointment and look forward to helping the Council unleash the potential for broadband infrastructure across our state,” Delegate Linville said. “High-speed internet access is vital to allowing our citizens, schools and businesses to prosper in an ever-connected world. We have a great deal of work to do, but I’m optimistic we can bring all the resources of the state and federal government to bear to build up this vital piece of our infrastructure.”

In addition to Delegate Linville, Delegate Ken Hicks, D-Wayne, also serves as a House of Delegates representative on the Council.