Rep. Costa Annouces Broadband Funding for the Valley

FRESNO, CA – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced funding to bridge the technological divide and increase economic opportunities in vulnerable and low-income communities in the Valley. The grant, in the amount of $7.25 million, will fund digital literacy training for more than 675,000 individuals, enabling them to make use of key educational, employment, and health resources online.

"I ampleased to see that our Valley will receive funding to increase high-speedInternet access," Costa said. "Grants like this are an investment in both theeducation and the economic development of our area. I look forward to seeingthe results of this funding as more Valley residents gain access to job and educational opportunities, employmenttraining, health information, and other vital services that are availableonline."

With thisinvestment, the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) will coordinate amultifaceted outreach campaign using local partner organizations to disseminateinformation about broadband training and services to 5 million Californiaresidents. The project expects to increase adoption of broadband Internetservice among key vulnerable populations by more than 130,000 households.

Theaward will also provide new broadband points of interconnection in the districtareas of Hanford and Delano. These will be new broadband "on ramps" for serviceproviders and end users, and will tie in to existing network gateways inBakersfield and Fresno.

In addition to the Valley, the $7.25 million dollar grant will assist people in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire in California. Funds were made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.