Access to high speed Internet has become the great equalizer in technology for many communities across Wisconsin and the world. Communications no longer travel in days but in seconds. Businesses large and small have completely changed with the onset of high speed Internet and the many tools it offers. Education and access to information for school children or any learner is available at the click of a mouse. Additionally, how we get our news and information on what is happening in our communities and everywhere else is now often tied to the Internet and what sites we choose. Even new TVs require increased technology infrastructure. Fiber optic technology, which transmits information with light rather than electro-magnetic energy, enables faster transmission of information.
Delivery of high-speed technology to the less urban parts of Wisconsin as well as to public outlets like community libraries and schools has become a priority. Wisconsin taxpayers have invested millions in tax credits to expand the infrastructure needed to bring broadband to more communities. That investment will help libraries, governments, schools, individuals and businesses have access to greater technology. That investment also created hundreds of jobs in state contracts with private companies.
Recently another round of public support for the fiber connections needed to offer broadband technology was announced. Wisconsin will invest $28.7 million to expand broadband Internet access, including $22.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds. ARRA was signed a year ago by President Barack Obama. The grant will provide high-speed Internet access to 467 sites in over 380 communities in all of the state's 72 counties. Expanding the fiber to the 467 sites will allow for future expansion of broadband throughout the state with industry and possible additional public support.
Over 90 percent of the libraries in the state and over 80 percent of the state's school districts will be served by the BadgerNet Converged Network, which partners with independent telecommunication companies across the state.
The grant initiative from Wisconsin and ARRA will create jobs in the private sector through contracts with the State Department of Administration for the installation of fiber cables.
Recipients of the grant in the 27th Senate District include, Albany Schools, Belleville Public Library, Black Earth Public Library, Brodhead Memorial Public Library, Rosemary Garfoot Public Library in Cross Plains, Eager Free Public Library in Evansville, Madison Public Library, Mazomanie Free Library, Middleton Public Library, Monroe Public Library, Mount Horeb Public Library, Mount Horeb Schools, New Glarus Public Library, Oregon Public Library and Black Hawk High School in South Wayne.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th State Senate District.
Delivery of high-speed technology to the less urban parts of Wisconsin as well as to public outlets like community libraries and schools has become a priority. Wisconsin taxpayers have invested millions in tax credits to expand the infrastructure needed to bring broadband to more communities. That investment will help libraries, governments, schools, individuals and businesses have access to greater technology. That investment also created hundreds of jobs in state contracts with private companies.
Recently another round of public support for the fiber connections needed to offer broadband technology was announced. Wisconsin will invest $28.7 million to expand broadband Internet access, including $22.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds. ARRA was signed a year ago by President Barack Obama. The grant will provide high-speed Internet access to 467 sites in over 380 communities in all of the state's 72 counties. Expanding the fiber to the 467 sites will allow for future expansion of broadband throughout the state with industry and possible additional public support.
Over 90 percent of the libraries in the state and over 80 percent of the state's school districts will be served by the BadgerNet Converged Network, which partners with independent telecommunication companies across the state.
The grant initiative from Wisconsin and ARRA will create jobs in the private sector through contracts with the State Department of Administration for the installation of fiber cables.
Recipients of the grant in the 27th Senate District include, Albany Schools, Belleville Public Library, Black Earth Public Library, Brodhead Memorial Public Library, Rosemary Garfoot Public Library in Cross Plains, Eager Free Public Library in Evansville, Madison Public Library, Mazomanie Free Library, Middleton Public Library, Monroe Public Library, Mount Horeb Public Library, Mount Horeb Schools, New Glarus Public Library, Oregon Public Library and Black Hawk High School in South Wayne.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th State Senate District.
