Some states outside of Illinois are approaching the ARRA broadband deployment opportunity in creative ways.
Governor Bob Riley’s broadband initiative, ConnectingALABAMA, is calling on local governments, universities, non-for-profits and hospitals for partnership in their efforts to build new networking capabilities. ConectingALABAMA Director, Kathy Johnson, recently held an expo with interested parties who presented project ideas and shared information in an effort to collaborate in their broadband stimulus funding applications.
Arizona’s Department of Commerce prepared a report in 2007 on “Arizona’s Broadband Initiative and Framework.” An underlying theme for Arizona’s broadband initiative is strengthening economic conditions statewide, such as employment opportunities, quality education, access to healthcare and effective delivery of public services.
The Arkansas Recovery Office finished a statewide mapping project to assist federal broadband stimulus applicants.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is seeking to remove broadband access barriers and identify new opportunities for broadband adoption throughout California. Specific California broadband initiatives include a statewide e-health network and investing in research to position the state as a global leader in broadband communications.
Before federal stimulus dollars were available for broadband expansion, Governor Sonny Perdue and members of the OneGeorgia Authority approved the Broadband Rural Initiative to Develop Georgia’s Economy (BRIDGE) fund to support rural broadband projects. The state is encouraging interested grant recipients to register with the state’s Broadband database. Individuals registered will have greater access to state resources.
Governor Deval Patrick created the Massachusetts Broadband Institute to provide and extend affordable broadband access to all homes, businesses, schools, libraries, medical facilities, government offices and other public places across Massachusetts.
Minnesota’s Ultra High Speed Broadband Task Force holds regular meetings in an effort to accomplish broadband access by 2015. Connect Minnesota recently completed a host of maps for the Task Force to aid the state in their efforts to shore up federal stimulus funds.
To add other states to this list, send suggestions to gov.broadband@illinois.gov!