Link: http://www.usda.gov/2009/03/0063.xml
Release No. 0063.09
Contact:
Nayerra Haq, USDA (202) 720-4623
Bart Forbes, Commerce ((202) 482-7002
USDA AND DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS ON BROADBAND INITIATIVES
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2009 -Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the next in a series of public meetings on the Broadband Technology Program of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The meetings will be held at 10 a.m. on March 19, 23 and 24 at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., 1401 Constitution Ave, N.W.
The meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the most effective way for USDA to provide grants and loans for broadband systems. Congress authorized $2.5 billion to USDA and $4.7 billion to the Department of Commerce for broadband access.
"President Obama's broadband initiatives will accelerate the availability of broadband in unserved and underserved areas spurring much-needed job growth and economic activity," said Vilsack. "These meetings provide invaluable feedback and guidance from the public on how to distribute funding in the most efficient and effective manner."
Earlier this week on March 17, USDA and the Department of Commerce held a public meeting in Las Vegas, NV, and also is holding another public meeting today, March 18 at the High Country Conference Center (Northern Arizona University) in Flagstaff, AZ.
All who wish to attend must RSVP to Barbara Brown at bbrown@xxxxxxxxxxxxx All meetings will have sign language interpretation. Individuals requiring additional assistance are asked to inform Barbara Brown, NTIA, at (202) 482-4374 or brown@xxxxxxxxxxxx, at least two (2) days prior to the applicable meeting. All meetings will be streamed live on the Web at www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants. Materials also will be archived at www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants and www.rurdev.usda.gov.
More information about USDA's efforts regarding ARRA is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government's efforts on the economic stimulus is available at www.recovery.gov.
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