Washington receives $2.2 million in federal stimulus funds for broadband mapping and planning activities

For Immediate Release: November 10, 2009

OLYMPIA, WA � The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced that Washington state will receive a grant of approximately $2.2 million to fund broadband mapping and planning activities under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program.

The program enables collection of data to show which areas of each state are in the most need of increased broadband infrastructure and adoption. The data collected will be used to create an interactive and searchable map for use by the public with information such as where broadband service is available and at what speeds, and the type of technology used.

�This is exciting news for Washington state," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Broadband technology has the power to create jobs and is a key driver for our 21st century economy. These funds will allow us to create a plan that leads to investment in broadband infrastructure, and increases new development where broadband is needed most, especially in areas such as health, education, energy, and public safety."

To date, 15 states including Washington have been awarded funds under this program. The first eight states - Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, Vermont, and West Virginia - were announced in October. The seven states just announced are Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

For more information about Washington's broadband mapping program, please visit the Washington State Broadband website at: http://www.broadband.dis.wa.gov.