Final Public Meeting on Broadband Stimulus Funds to Be Held June 3 in Philadelphia

Governor Rendell Invites Public Participation and Input

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The final meeting for the public to offer input on how Pennsylvania can best use federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to expand access to broadband Internet service will be held on Wednesday, June 3, in Philadelphia, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.

“Federal broadband stimulus funds are giving Pennsylvania an advantage in attracting new businesses, equipping existing businesses with the tools they need to thrive, and creating opportunities for students to learn and compete in the global marketplace,” Governor Rendell said.

The June 3 meeting will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., on Independence Mall, 2nd Floor, Kirby Auditorium, Philadelphia. Those interested in attending should RSVP to Joe Certaine at jcertaine@state.pa.us or by phone at 215-560-2640.

The Governor noted that although there is legislation in place to ensure that all of Pennsylvania will have access to broadband service by 2015, the supplementary federal funding will allow the state to deploy broadband more quickly.

The June 3 meeting is the final of four public meetings that were designed to share information with local leaders, businesses, citizens and economic development organizations about opportunities Pennsylvania has through the federal broadband stimulus funds. In addition, the meetings will address un-served and underserved areas; providing 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 newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

    CONTACT:
    Jamie Fulginiti (DCED)
    717-783-1132

    Barry Ciccocioppo
    717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor