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May 16, 2003 – Stone Workman, state director for USDA Rural Development in Georgia today announced the selection of the first broadband community grants to be awarded in
Georgia by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The announcement is part of a nationwide
announcement that includes $20 million in grants with over $6.8 million benefiting 10 Native American
and Native Alaskan communities. Through these grants, the communities will be able to participate and
take advantage of the high-speed telecommunications tools needed to be a part of the
global digital community.
"Expanding the reach of information technology brings to the homes and businesses of America’s most
remote rural communities new opportunities for accessing education, health and economic resources,"
Workman said.
"Placing the vast knowledge and resources at the fingertips of rural Americans will bring anew a world of
information and opportunities. It is an investment in the economic future of rural America," said USDA
Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr.
At the Economic Summit held in August of 2002 in Waco, Texas, President Bush stated, "In order to
make sure the economy grows, we must bring the promise of broadband technology to millions of
Americans. …… And broadband technology is going to be incredibly important for us to stay on the
cutting edge of innovation here in America."
This investment in rural America goes to 40 communities in 17 states and supports the Bush
Administration’s efforts to enable all sectors of the economy to grow. The 40 application selected were
among over 300 to submit requests. Communities selected do not have access to broadband
connectivity for essential services of police, fire protection, hospitals, libraries and schools. In return for
receiving a grant, the communities will provide community residents with computer and Internet access.
The grant program supplements USDA Rural Development’s standard high-speed telecommunications
loan program.
In Georgia these grants will provide broadband access to two rural areas. AL-CALL, a subsidiary of Alma
Telephone, is receiving a grant for $391,556 to provide access to Screven in Wayne County. The Screven
project will include space for a community center in Screven City hall, where all citizens can access the
Internet for free. Students will have access for doing research for homework, preparing for scholastic tests,
and for online courses. Seniors will also have this as a resource. Glenwood Telephone Company is receiving
a grant for $277,819 to provide access to Glenwood, which has a population of 883. Funds will be used to
purchase equipment to interface with the Glenwood Telephone Company's digital switching system to provide the basis of DSL service. A, 1,088 sq. ft. modular building
will be purchased for the public to use as a community center. Free broadband services will be provided to the fire department,
the Wheeler County Hospital and the Tri-County Alternative Public School for two
years.
"Access to this technology is a great equalizer and levels the playing field for schools and businesses,"
Workman said. "It is essential to economic development in rural communities that we provide broadband
so local citizens can use the information highway."
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support
increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents.
Rural Development is Rural America's Venture Capitalist. Providing equity, liquidity,
and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business
development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on these and
other rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site
at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.
Please send any comments or suggestions to: craig.scroggs@ga.usda.gov
Last Updated : May 19, 2003