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Broadband Access for All Tennessee Libraries - Appeal to Sec. Hargett

Submitted by Penny Frere on Thu, 03/19/2009 - 11:39

 It is once again time for us all to speak up for Tennessee libraries!

Tenn-Share has asked the new Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, to take his first big step in support of our public libraries by directing the State Library to write a grant for funding available through the ARRA – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – for increased bandwidth for Tennessee public libraries, especially those in rural areas of the state.

Remember our letter-writing campaign for TEL funding? OK, let’s do it again for broadband funding.

Tenn-Share is asking you all to support our request to Sec. Hargett by writing him your own letter. And we’re here to help you do it.

Here’s what you need  to make this a quick and easy process for us all:

The letter Tenn-Share has sent to Secretary of State Hargett (.pdf)

Secretary of State Hargett's reply to the Tenn-Share letter (.pdf)

A sample letter you can use to write to Secretary Hargett yourself (.rtf - save it and edit, incorporating your favorite Talking Points.)

Talking Points in Support of TSLA Grant Proposal to the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act for Library Bandwidth in Tennessee (.rtf)

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Follow how the ARRA/stimulus

Submitted by Penny (not verified) on Mon, 04/20/2009 - 11:09.

Follow how the ARRA/stimulus funds might be spent in Tennessee at http://tnrecovery.gov/

From that site:

36. USDA Rural Utilities Services Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program
(RUS) ($2.5 billion through loans and grants)
• Funding through loans, grants, and loan guarantees for open access broadband
infrastructure projects in rural areas.
• If a state funds a project from this program, this project cannot be funded under the
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.
• http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/?navid=USDA_ARRA

37. US Dept. of Commerce Broadband Deployment Grant Program ($4.7 billion, 4.35 billion
competitive)
• Grants will be competitive; however, each state will receive at least one grant.
• Funding to increase broadband deployment in “unserved and underserved areas”.
o $200 million to expand computer capacity
o $250 million for broadband adoption
• States and other eligible entities must provide 20% matching funds; however, matching
requirement could be waived if grantee shows financial need.
• Funds available until 09/30/10
• http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/ARRABROADBAND.PDF for greater detail