BROADBAND GRANTS FOR RURAL AREAS- New grants from the US
Department of Agriculture will send more than $20 million to rural and underserved
communities for development of broadband service. The 40 communities awarded
funds under the Community Connect Grant Program are located in 17 states and
include 13 Native American and Native Alaskan communities. The grant winners
were selected from more than 300 applicants. According to Agriculture Secretary
Ann M. Veneman, the grants will bring "new opportunities for accessing education,
health, and economic resources." The communities selected lack broadband
connections for police, fire protection, hospitals, libraries, or schools. Communities
will use the grant money to provide computer and Internet access to local residents.
See: http://dc.internet.com/news/article.php/2208621 (Edupage, 19 May 03)