100 Recovery Act Projects Changing America

Vice President Joe Biden today released a new report, "100 Recovery Act Projects that are Changing America." The report highlights some of the most innovative and effective Recovery Act projects across the country that are not only putting people back to work now, but helping transform our economy for years to come.

Two Recovery Act-supported broadband projects are included:

• Broadband Expansion to Rural Communities ­ Kansas ­ $49.5 million: With the $51.6 million loan and a $49.5 million grant provided by the Recovery Act, the Rural Telephone Service Co., Inc. will provide broadband service in an area of western Kansas that is 99.5 percent unserved or underserved, and covers 26 communities and rural areas spanning over 4,600 square miles. Such service will provide the infrastructure required for economic stability, education and healthcare. The company has hired eight of the projected 17 new employees and the three engineering firms and five contractors associated with the project have created a number of jobs.
• Bringing Broadband Access to More Americans . New York . $39.7 million: ION HoldCo, LLC was awarded $39.7 million in Recovery Act Funds to implement a rural broadband infrastructure project. ION will build 10 new segments of fiber optic middle mile broadband infrastructure serving more than 70 rural communities in upstate New York and parts of Pennsylvania and Vermont. The project will enable wired and wireless last mile service providers to make broadband more readily available to 250,000 households and 38,000 businesses, and extend middle mile infrastructure to low-income rural areas with higher than average unemployment. This project will go a long way toward making American businesses more competitive, and connecting Americans to the opportunities and resources available with broadband.