[1st-mile-nm] Broadband Stimulus Projects and Funding

[Richard Lowenberg]

Most of you are following the current federal economic stimulus programs, to
various extents.   The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,
allocates $7.2 billion for broadband projects support, through two agencies:
the DoC-NTIA and the USDA.  Much of this will be applied to improving rural
access and equity in unserved and underserved areas.  Projects must be 'shovel
ready'.

New Mexico and its communities have the opportunity to be recipients of a
sizeable share of the 'broadband stimulus' total.   A 'feeding frenzy' is
expected, that without attempted coordination and partnerings, will likely
result in many good projects unnecessarily competing against each other.   The
State, community initiatives and telecom. companies would be well served to
communicate about and coordinate proposed projects, to achieve greter 'bang for
buck', and to build future-serving networks in NM.

I'd like to offer and use this list to communicate about and facilitate
understanding and updates about the federal 'broadband stimulus' programs;
about statewide broadband projects considering or preparing proposals; about
coordination of efforts; and about any other matters related to statewide
broadband opportunities and initiatives.

I'd like to get response to this, with any of your suggestions, critiques, or
questions.    More to follow, as broadband efforts in this state and nationally
now gear up.

Richard


-- 
Richard Lowenberg
1st-Mile Institute
P.O. Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-989-9110;   505-603-5200 cell
rl at 1st-mile.com  www.1st-mile.com

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