Bridging the Digital Divide |
Congressman John Olver and MBI Team Meet to Discuss Federal Funding Application
Congressman John Olver and MBI Director Judy Dumont review a
Congressman John Olver met this week with members of the MBI team for a working session to discuss the draft of the Round Two application for federal stimulus funding under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s BTOP (Broadband Technology Opportunities Program). Congressman Olver shared information with the team regarding the federal funding process, and he is continuing to work closely with the MBI during the Round Two application process for broadband in western Massachusetts. John Olver commended the MBI team on their efforts saying, “The work you have done in a few short weeks to develop an application that meets the new criteria in Round 2 is remarkable. This application is leaner, and I believe stronger, than the Round 1 application. It addresses issues that were noted in the Round 1 application, serves more of the population in western Massachusetts and increases opportunities to leverage private investment.” Congressman Olver represents the 1st Congressional District, spanning Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, and Middlesex counties, which contain key The MBI is developing an open-access middle mile fiber network proposal in partnership with the state's Information Technology Division and the Executive Office of Public Safety that will provide broadband connectivity to the many unserved and underserved communities in western Massachusetts. The network will also include 55 miles of fiber-optic cable currently being pulled along I-91 through our partnership with MassDOT. Judy Dumont, Director of the MBI, presented an overview of the draft of the Round Two application, which outlines the critical need for broadband expansion in hospitals, community colleges and other community anchor institutions. The MBI continues to work aggressively to secure federal funding for broadband connectivity, which will generate a foundation for economic growth, educational opportunities, and enhanced public safety throughout these underserved and unserved regions. The MBI's Round Two BTOP application is due no later than March 26.
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