Governor Rendell Says PA Still Seeks Public Input on Federal Broadband Stimulus Funds

Public Meetings to Be Held in Harrisburg, Bedford and Philadelphia; Written Comments Also Welcomed

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — There is still time for the public to offer input on how Pennsylvania can best use federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to deploy broadband throughout the state, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.

Three public meetings are scheduled between now and Wednesday, June 3, said the Governor, who also noted that written comments may be submitted, as well.

“Ready access to high-speed, broadband Internet gives businesses an essential edge in today’s highly competitive economic climate,” Governor Rendell said. “High-speed Internet is a critical element for our businesses to compete in global markets and for our students to compete for the very best jobs.

“The federal broadband stimulus funds will add to the aggressive strategy Pennsylvania already has in place. By putting Pennsylvania citizens in the driver’s seat we are ensuring that these supplementary funds are being utilized to their fullest potential.”

The statewide outreach sessions are designed to share information with local leaders, businesses, citizens and economic development organizations about the available opportunities with federal broadband stimulus money. Additionally, the meetings will discuss unserved/underserved areas, broadband to public safety agencies, eligible applicants, and the needs of communities and businesses.

The Office of Administration and the Department of Community and Economic Development are hosting the meetings. The stimulus funds will be distributed through two federal agencies: the Department of Commerce National Telecommunication and Information Administration and the Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities services.

Governor Rendell has committed to ensuring that the public is able to monitor and provide feedback on how federal recovery dollars are being used by providing news, up-to-date information and regular reports at www.recovery.pa.gov.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell’s initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITORS NOTE: The sessions are scheduled at the dates, times and locations listed below. If you are interested in participating in the meetings, but are unable to attend at the given time, written comments can be sent to the addresses included below:

Central PA

Tuesday, May 26, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

WITF Public Media Center

4801 Lindle Road

Harrisburg

RSVP to ltwiford@tccp.org or by phone at 717-635-2172

Comments can be sent to the following address no later than May 19:

Technology Council of Central PA

415 Market St., Suite 201

Harrisburg, PA 17101

Bedford

Wednesday, May 27, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Heartland Hall Conference Center

5564 Business 220

Bedford PA 15522

RSVP to mreigh@sapdc.org or by phone at 814-949-6740

Comments can be sent to the following address no later than May 20:

Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission

541 58th St.

Altoona, PA 16602

Philadelphia

Wednesday, June 3, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

National Constitution Center

525 Arch St. on Independence Mall, 2nd Floor

Kirby Auditorium, Philadelphia, PA

RSVP to Joe Certaine at jcertaine@state.pa.us or by phone at 215-560-2640

Comments can be sent to the following address no later than May 29:

Governor’s Southeast Regional Office

200 S. Broad St., 11th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19102

CONTACT:

Jamie Fulginiti (DCED)

717-783-1132

Barry Ciccocioppo

717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor