Vermont governor calls for release of broadband funds
June 16, 2009
Vermont governor Jim Douglas, along with the state's Congressional delegation, sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden urging the administration to speed the release of funds for the so-called broadband stimulus, which intends to expand broadband internet access in rural areas.
The governor's letter, which also urges release of funding for Smart Grid upgrades for electric utilities, expresses concern that broadband funding may not be awarded to states until December 2009, which could prevent northern states like Vermont from being able to use the money during this construction season.
"Vermont is ready with the infrastructure and commitment to deploy these dollars quickly and effectively," Douglas said, adding his concern that "this delay prevents us from putting Vermonters to work with broadband and Smart Grid projects this year."
Douglas said high speed internet expansion in his state "is necessary if all of Vermont is to participate in the 21st century economy and if our schools and libraries are to be equipped for the new possibilities ahead."
The letter said installing high speed internet will create jobs and help to ease the impact of the recession on the rural state's economy.
Douglas asked for the federal government to use a rolling application process to speed up the approval and granting of funds.
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