- The Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program has been renamed the "Technology Opportunities Program" and is offering $12.5 million in grants to fund projects that will help close the digital divide. The funds will be made available to local governments and non-profit organizations that develop projects that provide opportunities for technologically underserved communities to use the Internet in homes, and to use the Internet for education and business. Next month Commerce Secretary William Daley will promote the grant program when he travels around the country to bring attention to the problem of the lack of access to the Internet for disadvantaged Americans. "New technologies are now the major driving force of our country's economic growth," says Daley. "Access and training, therefore, become essential so that all Americans have the ability to participate and benefit from the new economy." The program, which has made $135 million in matching grants since 1994, has an application deadline of March 16. (E-Commerce Times, 6 Jan 2000 - Edupage 10 Jan 00)