$2 Million in EDA Funding for high-speed Internet link

Jeffords Announces $2 Million in EDA Funding
For High-Speed Internet Link in Northern Vermont
WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords, I-Vt.,
today announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration will
award $2 million to support the North Link fiber optic network, a project
that will connect six northern Vermont counties to high-speed Internet
access. The counties include Caledonia; Essex; Franklin; Grand Isle;
Lamoille and Orleans.
The North Link project is the brainchild of the Economic
Development Council of Northern Vermont (EDCNV), working with Vermont
Electric Coop.
"Broadband access is so critical to our economy, and the
North Link project will allow these counties to operate on a level playing
field wth more densely populated, urban areas. It is truly an innovative
and exciting opportunity for rural Vermont and its businesses," said
Jeffords. He is the ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public
Works Commiteee, which oversees the EDA.
"The Commerce Department is pleased to partner with the
people of Vermont and set the stage for investment and innovation through
economic development grants like these," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Economic Development David A. Sampson. "This broadband
project will help businesses innovate, bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs
to the region."
Connie Stanley Little, executive director of Economic
Development Council of Northern Vermont, added, "Thanks to the assistance
of Senator Jeffords, the North Link project will be a critical component
in the creation of high-tech jobs and economic development opporunities."
The council is the sole EDA-designated district in Vermont.
Currently the lack of broadband access is hurting these
regions of northern Vermont and forcing businesses to relocate to other
areas with high-speed access, according to the EDA. The project, which
will link private sector, first responders, state offices, hospitals and
educational institutions, will cost an estimated $8.7 million. These funds
are expected to spur as much as $58 million in private sector investment
over five years, creating an estimated 510 new jobs and retaining more
than 2,000 existing jobs, according to the EDA.