Locke announces 35 stimulus broadband projects worth $482 million

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on Monday announced 35 Recovery Act projects worth a total of $482 million aimed at expanding public computing centers and broadband Internet access.

The stimulus-funded projects are designed to expand public access to computers and broadband Internet availability, particularly in rural areas. The Recovery Act included almost $7 billion for rural broadband access; Monday's announcement was the second in a series of broadband grant awards from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

“We are investing in ‘middle-mile’ networks that bring high-speed Internet access to communities and connect key anchor institutions, such as schools, libraries, and hospitals. We are also investing in projects to improve access and spur Internet usage and adoption," NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said.

"This allows us to get the most bang for every grant dollar and award projects that will address communities’ broadband problems while creating jobs and facilitating sustainable economic growth.”

Ten projects worth about $360 million will go toward providing middle-mile networks; Connecticut, Colorado, Arizona and Illinois received the bulk of the funding. Another $60 million will be used on to create or expand public computing centers at colleges, schools and libraries including Auburn University in Auburn, Ala. The other $60 million in grants will go to broadband programs focused on health services and underserved communities.

“In a globalized 21st century economy, when you don’t have regular access to high-speed Internet, you don’t have access to all the educational, business and employment opportunities it provides,” Locke said. “These critical Recovery Act investments will create jobs and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable economic growth in communities across America.”

The Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition received an $11.8 million grant and an additional $5.6 million in matching contributions to conduct strategic outreach, access and training programs for Philadelphia residents with no or limited Internet access at home, with a focus on the most economically and socially vulnerable populations. The Mexican Institute of Greater Houston received a $2 million grant for similar outreach programs.