The project, which will take several years to deploy statewide, was first launched as a pilot in six cities and their counties to allow a process to develop for smooth implementation and maintenance.

Already online, the WV.GOV website helps citizens interact with local government agencies, such as city and county administrations. A total population of 157,379 citizens has already been impacted by the pilot project with another 1.6 million plus citizens in the remaining 49 counties.

Outreach meetings are being held throughout the state to discuss the project, ways to use websites and the state's portal. People who attend outreach meetings will learn about the efficiencies and cost savings associated with the deployment of e-government applications. As an incentive to participate the designated cities/counties will receive a license for Microsoft Office Professional software.

Students gain experience with leadership and web development

High school students will help shape the information that will be provided through the new state portal. High school students were very effective doing the legwork to gather data in each pilot area. School districts are developing lesson plans that will teach the students interviewing skills and techniques for collecting information, photos and video content for the websites, along with how to design and update webpages.

Students participating in the e-government project have access to laptop computers, digital and video cameras, and use of other tools that will assist them in accomplishing their task. Each school district determines the level of course credit or community service student participants will earn. CCF purchases equipment suitable to meet the students' needs. Upon completion of the project, the equipment becomes school property.

Each participating city provides a liaison to work with the students. This person coordinates schedules for interviews and photo/video shoots, and coordinates the review and approvals of appropriate officials. The intent of new local government websites is to promote the city and county, provide information to the public, and provide basic citizen-to-government interaction tools.

Concerns of keeping the website information current are addressed by allowing civics classes to use the project as a vehicle to teach Content Standards and Objectives (CSOs), Learning Skills, and Technology Tool Usage required by their curriculum. New students become responsible for updating the sites each year.

Communities benefit from 24/7 access and cost savings

Electronic distribution of information and conducting transactions on the internet provide substantial cost savings to local governments. And, citizens quickly see the benefits of having 24/7 access to online services. CCF is committed to helping elected officials and community leaders become familiar with and implement e-government applications.