Pennsylvania Joins $100 Million Broadband Stimulus Club

Pennsylvania is the latest state to announce that it has filed a $100 million plus broadband stimulus program application, seeking funds from the federal Broadband Technology Opportunities (BTOP) program and the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). Governor Edward G. Rendell on August 24 announced that Pennsylvania has filed seven broadband grant applications totaling $108 million.

The seven grant applications include:

1) Projects to connect 514 schools, libraries, colleges and universities to a broadband network aimed at closing the "digital divide";

2) Extend broadband services to some 988,000 households,202,000 businesses, 1,222 public safety agencies; 1,180 educational organizations and 255 health care facilities in under- and unserved areas of northern Pennsylvania;

3) A state Dept. of Education program to train some 1,500 teachers and education professionals to make effective use of broadband for education and training;

4) A Dept. of Community and Economic Development program to be carried out by 13 economic development organizations that aims to help communities, businesses, first responders and "anchor" institutions;

5) Extend broadband access beyond classrooms into libraries and community colleges by providing equipment, software, training, technical support, management and oversight;

6) Helping fund an existing program to map broadband availability state-wide; and

7) A Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs program to provide access, education and training 1,500 residents at the state's six veteran's homes. Missouri, Maryland, New Mexico, and Massachusetts are also a part of the $100 million broadband stimulus application club.