$1.2 million to be used to expand digital services in low-income areas

The TalTech-supported Digital Harmony project will be one of the initiatives benefiting from the funds coming from this federal grant.Clipped from www.talgov.com$1.2 million to be used to expand digital services in low-income areas - The City of Tallahassee has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant using Recovery Act funds to assist with the expansion of broadband services in local low-income neighborhoods. Vice President Joe Biden announced the grant awards, with Tallahassee being one of 94 communities throughout the nation to receive broadband project funding. Tallahassee’s grant application was a collaborative effort between Mayor John Marks and the City’s Information Systems Services Division.
The Tallahassee City Commission will review the grant award from the U.S. Department of Commerce next month. If approved by the Commission, funds from the $1,212,020 grant will be applied to use broadband technology to enhance workforce skills, educational opportunities and digital literacy among Tallahassee low-income or low-literacy residents. Specific initiatives include improving the technology facility in the Apalachee Ridge neighborhood and continuing efforts as part of the Digital Harmony project centered at Nims Middle School.
“I’m proud of the combined efforts by my office and City staff that led to this award,” said Mayor Marks. “I want to thank Vice President Biden and federal officials for recognizing Tallahassee’s proactive stance on using technological resources to help economically disadvantaged citizens of all ages in our city.”
In addition to helping bridge the digital divide by improving broadband access to underserved areas of the community, the funds will also provide an economic development boost locally, as jobs are created or expanded to assist with the expanded Internet coverage and resulting efforts by local businesses and schools.
ContactDon DeLoach, Information Systems Services, 891-8402; or Bill Behenna, Department of Communications, 891-8533Read more at www.talgov.com