Rep. Kennedy Voices Support For Rhode Island Broadband Grant

WASHINGTON, December 24, 2009 – Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-RI, said Tuesday he is thrilled the government has allocated approximately $1.5 million to his state to lay the groundwork for enhanced internet services.

"I am pleased Rhode Island has received this broadband grant to help ensure that our state’s communities have access to the tools needed to build a strong economy and create jobs,” said Kennedy, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, in a statement. “I am pleased the Governor and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation are working together to access Recovery Act funds to create jobs and support the development of the state’s knowledge economy."

The grant is a result of stimulus money Congress provided earlier this year for projects that seek to increase broadband access and adoption across the country. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation was one of 15 entities the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced this week would be receiving funds for broadband mapping activities.

The data gathered from the broadband mapping projects will be displayed on a national broadband map.