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Bridging the Digital Divide Secretary Locke, Senator Kerry, Governor Patrick, and Congressmen Olver and Neal Celebrate $45.4 Million in Federal Stimulus Funding to Expand Broadband Access in Western and North Central Massachusetts |
Governor Deval Patrick and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke are interviewed at Greenfield Community College on Thursday, after announcing $45.4 million in federal stimulus funding for broadband.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Governor Deval Patrick, Senator John Kerry, and Congressmen John Olver and Richard Neal came to Greenfield Community College on Thursday to celebrate the state's $45.4 million federal stimulus award to expand broadband access in western and north central Massachusetts. The Patrick-Murray Administration worked closely with federal and state leaders to help secure this significant federal award, which will support long-term economic growth, improve health care and education and strengthen public safety throughout the region. The federal stimulus funding was awarded to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute On Thursday, Governor Patrick, Secretary Locke, Senator Kerry, and Congressmen Olver and Neal spoke about the critical need for high-speed Internet access in western and north central Massachusetts and highlighted individual stories of students, small business owners and other residents who have struggled to compete without broadband. Secretary Locke said broadband connectivity is a fundamental issue of equality and fairness, which will enable America to compete globally and foster sustainable economic growth. Having dial-up in the 21st century economy "just doesn't cut it," Locke said. Secretary Locke was joined by Lawrence Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, at the event. To expand broadband access, the MBI's project, MassBroadband 123, will create a robust, fiber-optic network that will connect all 123 communities in the western and north central regions of the Commonwealth. "We appreciate the support from Secretary Locke, and the leadership of Governor Patrick and the Congressional delegation for this highly competitive grant," said Judith Dumont, Director of the MBI. "The combination of federal and state funding will enable us to bridge the digital divide in western and north central Massachusetts." MassBroadband 123 will be a publicly owned, open access, middle-mile backbone that will allow last-mile service providers to connect and deliver broadband services to households and businesses. The backbone will place fiber as close to population and business centers as possible and will allow last-mile providers to connect at virtually any point of the network. The MBI on ABC World News Tonight, Friday July 9 at 6:30 p.m. MBI Director Judy Dumont was interviewed by ABC World News Tonight and will be featured on tonight's newscast at 6:30 p.m. The story focuses on federal stimulus projects and highlights the impact of MassBroadband 123 on job creation and economic development. For more information on MassBroadband 123 and other MBI broadband initiatives please visit www.massbroadband.org.
Massachusetts Broadband Institute is a division of MTC |
