Major Communications

Major Communications Data Version 1.3

Agency Name:

(006) Department of Commerce

Submission Date:

Submitter Name:

Diane Marston

Submitter Contact Info:

dmarston@doc.gov

Major Communications 2012-04-09T11:59:18Z Diane Marston tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120406_01:/feeds/weeklyupdate Major Communication 04/06/2012 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120406_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-04-09T11:59:18Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Twelfth Quarterly Status Report to Congress Regarding BTOP	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/report/2012/twelfth-quarterly-status-report-congress-regarding-btop	Report	The twelfth quarterly Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) report focusing on the program's activities from October 1-December 31, 2011, has been released.	Pursuant to Section 6001(d)(4) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA or Recovery Act) (Public Law No. 111-5), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) provides this Quarterly Report on the status of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP or Program). This Report focuses on the Program's activities from October 1 to December 31, 2011.	April 5, 2012	National Telecommunications & Information Administration; NTIA; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; broadband; Recovery Act; ARRA; BTOP Quarterly Report; Department of Commerce

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/04/2012 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120404_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-04-09T11:58:42Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Building Broadband in Maryland: A Statewide Effort	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/building-broadband-maryland-statewide-effort	Blog	The Maryland Department of Information Technology is overseeing a $115 million Recovery Act BTOP grant project--the One Maryland Broadband Network--to build a statewide network. The project plans to provide affordable broadband to all of Maryland's 24 counties, connect more than 1,000 anchor institutions, put down nearly 1,300 miles of new fiber and link more than 2,400 miles of existing fiber.	April 04, 2012 by Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling	4-Apr-12	National Telecommunications & Information Administration; NTIA; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; broadband; Recovery Act; ARRA; Maryland; One Maryland Broadband Network
				I recently had the opportunity to participate in a symposium at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab that highlighted the benefits that a new high-speed broadband network will bring to schools, libraries, healthcare institutions, public safety facilities and other community "anchors" across the state of Maryland.
				Thanks to the Recovery Act, the Maryland Department of Information Technology is overseeing a $115 million grant from NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program to build a statewide network that plans to deliver affordable broadband to every one of Maryland's 24 counties and connect more than 1,000 anchor institutions.
				The project called the One Maryland Broadband Network is putting down nearly 1,300 miles of new fiber and linking more than 2,400 miles of existing fiber. It will extend and connect three separate systems: the state-run networkMaryland, which was established for public sector use; the nine-jurisdiction Inter-County Broadband Network, which connects government buildings and other anchors across Central Maryland; and a non-profit consortium of rural carriers called Maryland Broadband Cooperative.
				When it's done in late 2013, the One Maryland Broadband Network will supply core infrastructure that local carriers can use to deploy broadband to almost 2 million homes and more than 400,000 businesses, including those in 15 rural counties in Western and Southern Maryland and on the state's Eastern Shore. The new network will also deliver connections of up to 10 gigabits per second to anchor institutions.
				Already, the One Maryland Broadband Network has installed more than 179 miles of fiber and 332 miles of conduit, and connected 10 anchors. Among the buildings hooked up so far are two fire stations in Baltimore, an elementary school in Anne Arundel County, the police department and town hall in Sykesville and the State Police Barracks in La Plata. At the Police Barracks, the new network makes it possible for officers to download training videos in just seconds, quickly access criminal databases for background checks and monitor traffic cameras in real time.
				Another institution being linked to the One Maryland Broadband Network is the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, Md., which hosted last week's symposium. The Inter-County Broadband Network organized the workshop to educate anchor institutions about what the new network will mean for them.
				For the Applied Physics Lab, being part of the One Maryland Broadband Network will give it access to virtually unlimited bandwidth to share resources with federal agencies interconnected to the system and with educational institutions on the network. Officials with the Inter-County Broadband Network say the lab could use dedicated high-speed links to access high-resolution telescopes through NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, for instance. Or it could use distance-learning video systems to pipe instructional material on rocket science into high school classrooms around the state.
				Project officials expect to have 233 anchor institutions connected by the summer. The One Maryland Broadband Network is also producing jobs. The project says it has already created at least 694 jobs in construction, engineering and project management.
				It is gratifying to watch the network take shape. To steal a phrase from Senator Barbara Mikulski who also participated in last week's workshop and has been a champion of the Recovery Act and the One Maryland Broadband Network - Maryland is benefitting from a "high-fiber diet." And when the project is complete, a cutting-edge telecommunications backbone will bring the benefits of broadband to every corner of the state.
				The One Maryland Broadband Network is putting down nearly 1,300 miles of new fiber and linking more than 2,400 miles of existing fiber to build a cutting-edge telecommunications backbone that will bring broadband to every one of Maryland's 24 counties and connect more than 1,000 anchor institutions.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 03/22/2012 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120322_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-03-26T13:18:20Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Building Community Networks in Wisconsin	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/building-community-networks-wisconsin	Blog	The Building Community Capacity through Broadband program is using $30 million of Recovery Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program funding to lay down more than 600 miles of fiber that will extend the Chippewa Valley Inter-networking Consortium network in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls and create new community area networks in Platteville, Wausau, and Superior. The public-private project is spearheaded by the University of Wisconsin-Extension program but has many partners, including dozens of local governments and school districts.	A dozen years ago, a group of technology officials in the neighboring Wisconsin cities of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls began meeting to share ideas on how to prepare their computer systems for Y2K. The group included officials from the city and county governments, local school districts, community libraries and medical institutions. And while Y2K came and went without incident, it soon became clear that the collaboration had the potential to turn into something much bigger	21-Mar-12	National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; Recovery Act; ARRA; Wisconsin; Chippewa Valley Inter-networking Consortium; Building Community Capacity through Broadband
				Today, that group called the Chippewa Valley Inter-networking Consortium, or CINC operates an extensive broadband network that connects 150 schools, libraries, hospitals, clinics, technical colleges and university campuses across the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls region. And now, the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program is expanding that original "community area network" and replicating its success in three other Wisconsin communities that see CINC as a model for establishing a 21st Century communications infrastructure.
				Building Community Capacity through Broadband, or BCCB, is using $30 million in Recovery Act funding to lay down more than 600 miles of fiber that will extend the network in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls and create new community area networks in Platteville, Wausau and Superior. The public-private project is being spearheaded by the University of Wisconsin-Extension program, but has many partners, including dozens of local governments and school districts.
				When it is complete in 2013, the BCCB project will supply critical middle-mile infrastructure that will enable commercial carriers to bring broadband to as many as 139,000 households and 9,000 businesses in the four "demonstration communities." It will also fund hybrid WiMAX/Wi-Fi networks in rural areas. And it will deliver data connections of up to 10 gigabits per second to 182 anchor institutions, including elementary and high schools, public safety buildings, community colleges, healthcare facilities and government buildings. (BCCB is also using a separate $2.4 million BTOP award to finance digital literacy programs in the four demonstration communities and at the College of Menominee Nation, a tribal institution.)
				In Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, CINC is using the Recovery Act funding to extend its existing 72 miles of fiber-optic cable by another 152 miles and connect an additional 130 of the 182 anchor institutions. The anchors on the current network are already showcasing the utility and value of broadband. The network lets government agencies share document imaging systems and other costly software applications. It allows emergency medical workers to send EKG data from the field to local hospitals in real time. It makes it possible for regional hospitals to transmit MRIs, CT scans and other big digital images to physicians in remote locations. And it enables video surveillance of local parks and even a municipal ice rink for public safety.
				BCCB officials are eager to expand those benefits in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, and bring them to the three other Wisconsin communities that are building networks of their own. Already, a handful of new anchor institutions in the Chippewa Valley including schools in Mondovi and medical facilities in Menomonie have been hooked up, as has a WiMax tower at the Chippewa County Courthouse. BCCB officials envision everything from mobile computer labs run by local libraries to greater file-sharing among healthcare facilities. And ultimately, they hope, these new networks will serve as a model for other communities as they build tomorrow's digital infrastructure.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/14/2012 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120214_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-15T18:20:47Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
White House to Honor NTIA Recovery Act Broadband Grantees as Innovators in Infrastructure	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/white-house-honor-ntia-recovery-act-broadband-grantees-innovators-infrastructure	Blog	NTIA Recovery Act broadband infrastructure projects are connecting communities across the country to high-speed internet, creating jobs, and supporting economic growth. On February 15, 2012, the White House will recognize two individuals--Joe Freddoso, President and CEO of MCNC, and Donald Welch, President and CEO of Merit Network, Inc--who helped develop and are now implementing broadband infrastructure projects that are key to revitalizing their communities.	NTIA's Recovery Act broadband infrastructure projects are connecting communities across the country to high-speed Internet, creating jobs, and supporting economic growth.	February 14, 2012	National Telecommunications & Information Administration, NTIA, Recovery Act, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, broadband, MCNC, Merit Network, Inc.
				Tomorrow, the White House will recognize two individuals who helped develop and are now implementing broadband infrastructure projects that are key to revitalizing their communities. Joe Freddoso, President and CEO of MCNC, and Donald Welch, President and CEO of Merit Network Inc, will be among 11 local leaders honored at the White House as "Champions of Change" who are using innovative techniques to develop valuable projects helping to improve America's infrastructure.
				Merit Network and MCNC both received Recovery Act grants from NTIA for broadband infrastructure projects that are currently underway and connecting community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, and hospitals, to high-speed Internet. Under the leadership of Welch and Freddoso, Merit and MCNC have put hundreds of people to work and are laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and improved education, healthcare, and public safety. These projects emanated from the communities where they are being carried out; each project is designed to best meet the needs of local people and institutions and to get the biggest bang for every grant dollar. Merit's project is serving Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula, and MCNC is serving communities across North Carolina.
				At the event, the Champions will be honored for their work in the community and share their stories with the audience online and in the room. The event will include formal remarks by Administration officials, followed by a panel discussion with the Champions. This event will be viewable live at www.whitehouse.gov/live, and will be posted on YouTube.
				To watch this event live, visit www.whitehouse.gov/live at 1:30 pm ET on February 15th.
				The White House created the Champions of Change program as a part of President Obama's Winning the Future initiative. Each week, the program highlights a different sector and recognizes groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/13/2012 (04) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120213_04:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-15T18:19:53Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
BTOP Case Study Three: Mark Shlanta, CEO, SDN Communications	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/btop-case-study-three-mark-shlanta-ceo-sdn-communications	Blog	SDN Communications is using a Recovery Act grant to expand its fiber optic network by another 360 miles and add an additional 100 gigabits of bandwidth along high-capacity routes.	February 08, 2012 by NTIA	8-Feb-12	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, broadband, South Dakota, SDN Communications, Recovery Act, ARRA
				As part of our BTOP series: Tales from the Front Lines, today we are highlighting South Dakota infrastructure grantee SDN Communications.
				SDN Communications, a partnership of 27 independent telecom providers covering 80 percent of South Dakota, is using a Recovery Act grant to expand its 1,850-mile, 300-gigabit-per-second fiber-optic network by another 360 miles and add an additional 100 gigabits of bandwidth along high-capacity routes. The project will enable SDN to deliver broadband speeds of at least 10 megabits per second to 300 anchor institutions that will be added to the network, including schools, libraries, hospitals, clinics, public safety agencies, government buildings and National Guard facilities. It will also deliver faster connections to more than 220 anchor institutions already on the system.
				Shlanta said that in a rural state like South Dakota, broadband brings critical new opportunities in healthcare and education. Broadband allows patients who live in rural communities located far from big hospitals to consult with doctors and other healthcare specialists across the state. Broadband also allows school districts to share staff and resources by making it possible for students to remotely attend classes hosted by other districts. One institution that will get faster connections is the Telecommunications Lab at the Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, S.D., which prepares students for careers in the telecom industry and is training workers to operate broadband networks such as those being built with BTOP funds.
				For more information see the SDN BTOP project pages.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/13/2012 (03) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120213_03:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-15T18:19:39Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
BTOP Case Study Four: Andrew Buss, Director of Public Programs, Office of Innovation & Technology, City of Philadelphia	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/btop-case-study-four-andrew-buss-director-public-programs-office-innovation-technology-cit	Blog	The City of Philadelphia's Office ov Innovation and Technology is using a Recovery Act award to open or expand 77 computer centers in health and social service agencies, homeless shelters, affordable housing locations and recreation centers in low-income communities across the city. The Urban Affairs Coalition is using separate Recovery Act grant funds to teach digital literacy skills and provide workforce training in KEYSPOT computer centers.	February 09, 2012 by NTIA	9-Feb-12	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, broadband, Recovery Act, Philadelphia, computer center, KEYSPOT, Urban Affairs Coalition, Office of Innovation & Technology.
				As part of our BTOP series: Tales from the Front Lines, today we are highlighting public computer centers in Philadelphia.
				The City of Philadelphia is using a Recovery Act award to open or expand 77 computer centers in health and social service agencies, homeless shelters, affordable housing locations and recreation centers in low-income communities across the city. The project, led by Philadelphia's Office of Innovation & Technology, gives the city's most vulnerable residents access to everything from job postings to health information to educational resources on the Internet. It is part of a broader program called KEYSPOT, Powered by Freedom Rings Partnership. The partnership is a coalition of more than a dozen city agencies, grass-roots organizations and universities working to increase broadband adoption rates in Philadelphia. Another lead agency in the partnership, the Urban Affairs Coalition, is using a separate Recovery Act grant to teach digital literacy skills and provide workforce training in KEYSPOT computer centers. Working together, the two projects are providing online access, instruction and support to help all Philadelphia residents participate in today's wired society.
				Buss said Philadelphia's broadband programs are creating new "community spaces" outside of home and work that offer "something additive to people's lives that reaches far beyond technology." He noted, for instance, that Bengali taxi drivers have begun congregating in a public computer center in West Philadelphia to Skype relatives back in Bangladesh and India. Technology, Buss said, is "really just the ancillary ingredient that is creating these communities." Equally important, Buss said, the broadband programs are teaching digital literacy skills and providing job search assistance and training to give the city's poorest residents more options in life. Ultimately, Buss said, the programs offer a path to transcend the confines of the city's low-income neighborhoods and a gateway to a wider world.
				For more information see the Philadelphia Freedom Rings BTOP project pages.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/13/2012 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120213_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-15T18:19:23Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
BTOP Case Study Five: Bill Callahan, Connect Your Community Project Director, OneCommunity	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/btop-case-study-five-bill-callahan-connect-your-community-project-director-onecommunity	Blog	The non-profit broadband provider OneCommunity is using Recovery Act funding to expand broadband adoption work in Cleveland and replicate the program in seven other communities in Ohio and four other states. Working with eight local partners, OneCommunity is on track to produce 26,000 new broadband adopters. OneCommunity is also using another Recovery Act award to upgrade and expand its fiber-optic network.	February 10, 2012 by NTIA	10-Feb-12	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, broadband, Ohio, OneCommunity, Connect Your Community, CYC
				As part of our BTOP series: Tales from the Front Lines, today we are highlighting Ohio sustainable broadband adoption grantee OneCommunity.
				OneCommunity, a non-profit broadband provider in Northeast Ohio, is using Recovery Act funding to expand innovative broadband adoption work it is doing in Cleveland and replicate the program in seven other communities in Ohio and four other states. The Connect Your Community (CYC) project provides computer classes and broadband training, as well as low-cost equipment and help finding affordable Internet access, to get low-income households online. One key to the program is the CYC Corps, a team of staffers hired in each community to teach computer and Internet basics to others, who are using those skills to look for jobs or even start their own businesses online. Working with eight local partners, OneCommunity says it is on track to produce 26,000 new broadband adopters. (OneCommunity is also using another Recovery Act award to upgrade and expand its fiber-optic network, which connects anchor institutions in Northeast Ohio).
				Callahan explained that in today's job market with many openings posted only online and many resumes accepted only online broadband is a requirement. Yet Internet access alone is not enough to create economic opportunities and transform societies. It is equally important to focus on adoption. "We can't accomplish true digital transformation of our schools, hospitals, governments or our private economy as long as thousands of our neighbors - students and parents, patients, citizens, workers and consumers - remain disconnected and unable to participate," Callahan said.
				For more information see the OneCommunity BTOP project pages.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/13/2012 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120213_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-15T18:18:40Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Latino Business Leaders: Broadband is Key to a Strong Future	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/latino-business-leaders-broadband-key-strong-future	Blog	Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Anna Gomez attended a meeting of Latino business leaders, convened by the White House, to discuss how broadband can grow the jobs of the future in the Latino community. NTIA is overseeing approximately 230 broadband projects; many of these projects are targeted at Latino communities and address the root causes of the digital divide by demonstrating the relevance for broadband and by providing more affordable broadband service and equipment.	February 13, 2012 by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Anna M. Gomez	13-Feb-12	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Recovery Act, Broadband,
				Last week I attended a meeting of Latino business leaders, convened by the White House, to discuss how the broadband industry can grow the jobs of the future in the Latino community.
				We often hear about an emerging skills gap in America and the urgent need for more graduates in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Business leaders recognize that to help address this challenge, particularly in the technology sector, broadband Internet access is a priority. Another key to growing a technology-skilled workforce is tackling the broadband adoption gap in the Latino community. NTIA's research shows that only 57 percent of Hispanic households had broadband service in 2010, which significantly lags behind the national rate. Even when adjusting for socioeconomic factors, like income and education, Hispanic households still trail White households in broadband adoption by 11 percentage points.
				To encourage the next generation of computer programmers and information technology workers and to help today's workers better compete broadband access at home and in schools is a vital first step. To help tackle this issue, NTIA is vigorously overseeing approximately 230 broadband projects nationwide. These projects, funded by the Recovery Act, are deploying new and upgraded broadband networks, extending broadband access to schools and other community anchor institutions, upgrading and expanding public computer centers, and providing free computer and job training for residents.
				Many of these projects are targeted at Latino communities and addressing the root causes of the digital divide by demonstrating the relevance of broadband for example, by engaging parents in their children's academic progress online and by providing more affordable broadband service and equipment to those who have completed training. While these projects are making a difference in communities nationwide, there is more to be done.
				At yesterday's meeting, participants from the business community provided their insights on effective solutions. For example, IT and software developers discussed the importance of building online trust with the Latino community, since privacy concerns are a barrier to broadband adoption. Broadcasters emphasized the importance of content that is relevant to Latinos. I heard about public-private initiatives that are training young Latinos in those much-needed technology skills. And an entrepreneur emphasized the need for additional spectrum to support mobile broadband, which Latino families are adopting more rapidly than other households to access the Internet.
				Of course business leaders understand that bridging the digital divide is not only good for Latinos and others lagging in broadband adoption, but also good for U.S. businesses and economic growth. By leveraging the talents of all our people, and building a stronger workforce, America can best compete in the global 21st century economy.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/08/2012 (03) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120208_03:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-09T11:47:34Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Tales from the front lines of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/tales-front-lines-broadband-technology-opportunities-program-0	Blog	The State of the Net conference held in Washington DC included a panel devoted to BTOP, a Recovery Act program administered by NTIA. Leaders from BTOP projects from around the country addressed how the digital divide is being closed. Snapshots of these programs will be provided during the week.	February 06, 2012 by NTIA	6-Feb-12	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, broadband,
				The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program is producing jobs, driving growth, providing tools for economic empowerment and improving lives across the country. That was the takeaway from a recent panel discussion at the annual State of the Net conference held in Washington, D.C. last month. The conference, which is organized by the Advisory Committee to the Congressional Internet Caucus, explores the biggest technology policy issues of the day. This year's conference included a panel devoted to BTOP, a Recovery Act program administered by NTIA that is investing in roughly 230 projects to increase broadband access and adoption around the country.
				The BTOP infrastructure projects are bringing broadband to places where it's lagging and supplying high-capacity connections to schools, hospitals and other anchor institutions that need more bandwidth. These projects are also spurring private-sector investment since local Internet providers can connect to these critical new "middle mile" facilities to serve more homes and businesses. The BTOP adoption programs are teaching computer and digital literacy skills, providing online job search and resume writing assistance, and even training people for technical jobs in the information-age economy. And the BTOP computer centers - located in schools, libraries and other public buildings - are providing broadband access for people who want to go online but lack the resources at home.
				The State of the Net panel was moderated by Anthony Wilhelm, who directs the BTOP program for NTIA. But the real stars were the panelists themselves: leaders from five very different BTOP projects across the country who spoke about how Recovery Act investments are closing the digital divide and building the technology infrastructure and skills that America needs to compete in the 21st Century. Throughout the week, we will provide snapshots of each of these projects, along with highlights from each panelist's remarks.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/08/2012 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120208_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-09T11:47:19Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
BTOP Case Study Two: Susan Walters, Senior Vice President, California Emerging Technology Fund	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/btop-case-study-two-susan-walters-senior-vice-president-california-emerging-technology-fun	Blog	CETF, a nonprofit working to close the state's digital divide, is providing computer, digital literacy and workforce training for low-income communities and other vulnerable populations.	February 06, 2012 by NTIA	6-Feb-12	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, broadband, California, California Emerging Technology Fund, CETF
				As part of our BTOP series: Tales from the Front Lines, today we are highlighting California sustainable broadband adoption grantee CETF.
				The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), a non-profit working to close the state's digital divide, is using a Recovery Act investment to provide computer, digital literacy and workforce training for low-income communities and other vulnerable populations. CETF works through 19 partners statewide, including non-profits that offer job training and career development services for the unemployed and homeless. Two of those organizations, Chrysalis in Southern California and The Stride Center in Northern California, are using Recovery Act funding to train clients in information technology skills and place graduates in IT positions. CETF also works with partners such as the Chicana Latina Foundation and Youth Radio, to raise awareness of the importance of broadband and ensure its programs serve California's diverse population - from Hispanic farm workers in the Central Valley to seniors in San Francisco's Chinatown. Classes are offered in Spanish, Chinese and other languages.
				Walters reported that more than 1,000 people, including former addicts, parolees and chronically unemployed, are now working in information and communications technology jobs because of the Recovery Act investment. These jobs, she stressed, pay starting salaries of $40,000 to $60,000 a year, bring economic self-sufficiency and offer promising futures. And while Walters credits BTOP with helping to make it all possible, she said the "real heroes are those who complete rigorous job training programs - those adults who take a risk and enroll in a digital literacy class in addition to having two or three very low-wage jobs, and parents with low literacy levels who enroll in training because they think it will help their children have a better life."
				For more information see the CETF BTOP project pages.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/08/2012 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120208_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-09T11:46:52Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
BTOP Case Study One: Joe Freddoso, President and Chief Executive, MCNC	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/btop-case-study-one-joe-freddoso-president-and-chief-executive-mcnc	Blog	MCNC, a nonprofit broadband provider who operates the NC Research and Education Network, is deploying or upgrading 2,600 miles of fiber in rural areas across the state.	February 06, 2012 by NTIA	6-Feb-12	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, broadband, North Carolina, MCNC, NCERN
				As part of our BTOP series: Tales from the Front Lines, today we are highlighting North Carolina infrastructure grantee MCNC.
				MCNC, a nonprofit broadband provider that operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), is using Recovery Act funds to deploy or upgrade 2,600 miles of fiber in rural areas across the state. The network will initially deliver speeds of 10 gigabits per second and eventually scale to a 100-gigabit-per-second middle-mile network. It will extend the reach of the existing NCREN system to connect nearly 2,700 additional anchor institutions, including libraries, hospitals and public safety facilities. The new network will also deliver faster and more reliable connections to K-12 schools, colleges and universities already on NCREN. And it will be an important source of dark fiber for commercial Internet providers that want to expand their own systems. MCNC's project is already creating construction jobs and jobs for local vendors such as CommScope in Hickory, N.C., which is supplying fiber and other materials. It is also laying the groundwork for economic revitalization in places such as Kannapolis, N.C., a former textile mill town that is reinventing itself as a biotechnology and life sciences hub.
				Freddoso explained that MCNC needs to upgrade and expand its network to be able to supply a modern telecommunications infrastructure for the state's rural communities and keep up with the surging bandwidth needs of critical anchor institutions. Those bandwidth requirements range from fast access for third graders on North Carolina's Outer Banks who are downloading power point presentations to complete homework assignments, to dedicated point-to-point transport for researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill or Wake Forest who are collaborating with colleagues across the globe. MCNC's goal, Freddoso said, is to build a broadband infrastructure that can scale for the future.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/06/2012 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20120206_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2012-02-09T11:45:43Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
The Critical Role Broadband Plays in Today's Economy	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2012/critical-role-broadband-plays-todays-economy	Blog	Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Anna Gomez participated in a National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women discussion panel that outlined how broadband may help to address many of America's most pressing challenges.	January 27, 2012 by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Anna M. Gomez	27-Jan-12	broadband, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, NOBEL
				This week I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion hosted by the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, or NOBEL, that examined how broadband is helping to address many of America's most pressing challenges.
				A robust broadband infrastructure is critical for America to remain competitive in the 21st century. Broadband provides a foundation for innovation, job creation and economic growth. Broadband is also transforming healthcare by enabling patients in rural areas to consult with medical specialists hundreds of miles away. It is opening doors in education by allowing students to take online classes at universities across the country. And it is changing the way we communicate, form personal connections, access information, shop and conduct many everyday transactions.
				The Obama administration is working to ensure that more Americans have the resources and skills to share in these benefits and opportunities. This is particularly critical in today's job market, since many job openings are posted only online and since digital literacy skills are a requirement in many workplaces.
				One highlight of the administration's work in this area is the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, or BTOP, a Recovery Act program administered by the NTIA that is investing nearly $4 billion in roughly 230 projects to expand broadband access and adoption across the country. These projects are building networks in rural America and other places where existing systems are inadequate, and connecting schools, hospitals and other vital community anchor institutions. They are opening computer centers in schools, libraries and other public buildings to provide broadband access for people who want to go online but lack the resources at home. And they are teaching computer and digital literacy skills, providing online job search and resume writing assistance, and even training people for technical jobs in the information-age economy.The NOBEL forum gave me a chance to highlight the valuable work of some of our BTOP projects. For example, the Miami-Dade County Public School System is providing digital literacy training, discounted computers and subsidized Internet access to students at 38 low-income schools. The project is not only bringing students themselves online, but also connecting their families and providing digital literacy training for parents.
				The Georgia Partnership for TeleHealth is expanding its telemedicine program in 91 of the state's poorest counties so that low-income rural Georgians don't have to drive hours to consult with medical specialists.
				And the California Emerging Technology Fund, or CETF, is providing computer, digital literacy and workforce training to low-income communities and other vulnerable populations. Several partners in the project are using Recovery Act funding to train clients in information technology skills and place graduates in IT positions. In fact, CETF reports that more than 1,000 people are now working in information and communications technology jobs, with starting salaries of $40,000 to $60,000 a year, because of the Recovery Act investment.
				I would like to thank NOBEL for recognizing the critical role that broadband plays in today's economy and for its work to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 12/23/2011 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20111223_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2011-12-28T13:06:36Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Eleventh Quarterly Status Report to Congress Regarding BTOP	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/report/2011/eleventh-quarterly-status-report-congress-regarding-btop	Report	The eleventh quarterly Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) reporting focusing on the program's activities from July 1-September 30, 2011, has been released.	December 22, 2011	22-Dec-11	Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, Recovery Act, ARRA
				Pursuant to Section 6001(d)(4) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA or Recovery Act) (Public Law No. 111-5), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) provides this Quarterly Report on the status of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This Report focuses on the Program's activities from July 1 to September 30, 2011, as well as overall accomplishments from Fiscal Year 2011.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 11/21/2011 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20111121_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2011-11-21T20:47:44Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
New Commerce Department Report Shows Broadband Adoption Rises but Digital Divide Persists	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2011/new-commerce-department-report-shows-broadband-adoption-rises-digital-divide-pers	Press Release	"Exploring the Digital Nation," a report released by the Department of Commerce's Economics and Statistics and National Telecommunications and Information Administration, analyzes broadband Internet adoption in the United States.	Adoption Gap Remains Along Demographic Lines, Socio-Economic Status Does Not Explain the Entire Gap	9-Nov-11	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Recovery Act, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 09, 2011 News Media Contact: Moira Vahey, (202) 482-0147, mvahey@ntia.doc.gov ESA: Jane Callen 202-482-2235 jcallen@doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released a report,"Exploring the Digital Nation," that analyzes broadband Internet adoption in the United States. Overall, approximately seven out of ten households in the United States subscribe to broadband service. The report finds a strong correlation between broadband adoption and socio-economic factors, such as income and education, but says these differences do not explain the entire broadband adoption gap that exists along racial, ethnic, and geographic lines. Even after accounting for socio-economic differences, certain minority and rural households still lag in broadband adoption.
				The report analyzes data collected through an Internet Use supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS) of about 54,300 households conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in October 2010. Earlier this year, NTIA released initial findings from the survey, showing that while virtually all demographic groups have increased adoption of broadband Internet at home since the prior year, historic disparities among demographic groups remain. Today's report presents broadband adoption statistics after adjusting for various socio-economic differences.
				"Closing the broadband adoption gap is a priority because Americans increasingly need 21st century skills to succeed in today's economy. Today's report provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of broadband adoption that will inform efforts to close the gap and promote America's competiveness in the global economy," said Acting Deputy Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank.
				"To get a good job, you often need access to the Internet and online skills. But nearly one in three American households do not subscribe to broadband service," said NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "NTIA's broadband grants program is helping to address this challenge by expanding public computer centers and providing Americans with the training needed to participate in the Internet economy. The lessons learned from these broadband projects and today's report will help the larger community working to close the digital divide, and we encourage researchers to use the survey data for further analysis."
				The principal findings of the report are:
				Overall
				Sixty-eight percent of American households used broadband Internet in 2010, up from 64 percent in 2009. Only three percent of households relied on dial-up access to the Internet in 2010, down from five percent in 2009. Another nine percent of households had people who accessed the Internet only outside of the home. All told, approximately 80 percent of American households had at least one Internet user, whether inside or outside the home and regardless of technology type used to access the Internet. Cable modems and DSL were the leading broadband technologies for home Internet adoption, with 32 percent and 23 percent of households, respectively, using these services.
				Differences in Household Broadband Adoption
				Households with lower incomes and less education, as well as Blacks, Hispanics, people with disabilities, and rural residents, were less likely to have Internet service at home. Eighty-one percent of Asian households and 72 percent of White households had broadband at home, compared to 57 percent of Hispanic households and 55 percent of Black households. Seventy percent of urban households had broadband at home, compared to 57 percent of rural households. Households with school-age children were more likely to have broadband at home (78 percent) than the national rate. Older householders, particularly those ages 65 and older (45 percent), were less likely to have broadband at home. Less than half (43 percent) of households with annual incomes below $25,000 had broadband access at home, while 93 percent of households with incomes exceeding $100,000 had broadband. Average broadband adoption in 2010 varied by state from about half (52 percent) of all households to 80 percent.
				Role of Socio-Economic Factors
				Socio-economic differences do not explain the entire broadband adoption gap. For example, after accounting for socio-economic and geographic factors, Black and Hispanic households still lag White households in broadband adoption by 11 percentage points, though the gap between Asian and White households disappears. After accounting for socio-economic and demographic factors, rural households still lag urban households in broadband adoption by five percentage points. In contrast, differences in socio-economic characteristics do explain a substantial portion but not all of the broadband adoption lag among people with disabilities.
				Reasons for Not Subscribing to Broadband at Home
				The main reasons cited for not having Internet access at home were a lack of interest or need (47 percent), the expense (24 percent), and the lack of an adequate computer (15 percent). Not surprisingly, individuals without broadband service at home relied on locations such as public libraries (20 percent) or other people's houses (12 percent) to go online.
				Long-term Trends in Internet and Computer Use
				Between 2001 and 2010, broadband Internet use at home, regardless of technology type, rose from 9 percent to 68 percent of households. Between 1997 and 2010, Internet use among households, regardless of technology type, rose from 19 percent to 71 percent. More than three quarters (77 percent) of American households had a computer at home in 2010, up from 62 percent in 2003.
				NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service are administering a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative to expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing approximately $4 billion of that funding for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which provided grants to approximately 230 projects that are deploying broadband infrastructure, enhancing and expanding public computer centers, and encouraging the sustainable adoption of broadband service. In addition, NTIA's State Broadband Initiative is supporting a host of state-driven initiatives to better integrate broadband and information technology into state and local economies.
				The full report is available at
				http://www.esa.doc.gov/Reports/exploring-digital-nation-computer-and-internet-use-home.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 10/03/2011 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20111003_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2011-10-03T14:15:33Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Tenth Quarterly Status Report to Congress Regarding BTOP	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/report/2011/tenth-quarterly-status-report-congress-regarding-btop	Report	The tenth quarterly Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) report focusing on the program's activities from April 1-June 30, 2011 has been released.	Pursuant to Section 6001(d)(4) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act or Act) (Public Law No. 111-5), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) provides this Quarterly Report on the status of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP or Program). This Report focuses on the Program's activities from April 1 to June 30, 2011.	27-Sep-11	Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, Recovery Act, ARRA
				Tenth Quarterly Status Report to Congress Regarding BTOP

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/19/2011 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20110819_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2011-08-24T12:50:02Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
New Promise for Rural North Carolina	http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2011/08/16/new-promise-rural-north-carolina	Blog	Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, attended a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) groundbreaking ceremony in Kannapolis, North Carolina, on August 12. The project, funded by a $104 million Recovery Act investment and $40 million in private matching funds, combines upgraded facilities with an additional 2,600 miles of new or improved infrastructure to MCNC's (a nonprofit broadband provider) network and extends broadband to nearly 1,200 community anchor institutions.	Guest blog post by Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator, NTIA	August 16, 2011 - 3:15 pm	Department of Commerce, NTIA, BTOP, Recovery Act, MCNC, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
				Last Friday, I visited Kannapolis, North Carolina to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of an infrastructure project that will deploy or improve broadband networks throughout much of the state, particularly in rural areas. The effort is led by MCNC, a nonprofit broadband provider that has operated the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) for more than 25 years. The project funded by a $104 million Recovery Act investment and $40 million in private sector matching funds will deploy approximately 1,650 miles of new fiber. Combined with upgraded facilities, the project will add 2,600 miles of new or improved infrastructure to MCNC's network, extending broadband to nearly 1,200 community anchor institutions, including universities, schools, community colleges, libraries, healthcare providers, and public safety facilities. Nearly 500 of those anchor institutions have already benefitted from improved access to the broadband network. Joe Freddoso, the president and CEO of MCNC, said they applied for the Recovery Act funding because bandwidth use by North Carolina institutions was growing by 30 to 40 percent each year and without network improvements, rural communities would not be able to meet their future bandwidth needs.
				In fact, before we funded MCNC, its network delivered speeds of 1 Gbps or faster to only 12 out of 100 counties in North Carolina. MCNC will expand that number to 83 counties a nearly 600 percent increase in statewide broadband capabilities. This will not only improve education and other public services, but it can also spur additional private sector investment. For example, as with other Recovery-Act-funded broadband networks, local Internet providers will be able to utilize the new infrastructure to extend broadband service to homes and businesses that may otherwise be too costly to reach.
				Even while construction is underway, the project is bringing economic opportunities. MCNC reports that the Recovery Act project has already created or retained about 400 jobs. In addition, local businesses are serving as vendors, like Hickory-based CommScope, which is supplying fiber and other network materials.
				Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the project is how a modern communications infrastructure can support economic revitalization. For example, Kannapolis was a textile mill town until 2003, when the mill closed and displaced thousands of workers. Now, less than a decade later, Kannapolis is an emerging biotechnology and life sciences hub, home of the new North Carolina Research Campus. But the campus needs more bandwidth. In some cases, researchers have stored data on portable media and driven across the state to deliver the data to other institutions. The MCNC project will bring much-needed broadband capacity to the campus, a vital ingredient in the transformation of this 20th century American mill town to a 21st century global research center.
				There are many more North Carolina communities, often in rural areas of the state, that could rebuild their economies once they get broadband access. These are cities and towns with small businesses and hard-working people who are eager for the new opportunities that high-speed Internet makes possible. Friday's groundbreaking marked another important step towards making that happen.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 05/02/2011 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20110502_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2011-05-03T13:08:12Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA celebrates Recovery Act project restoring salt marsh and fish passage on Cape Cod	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110425_stonybrook.html	Press Release	Assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries Eric Schwaab, city officials from Brewster, Massachusetts, and other partners on the shores of Cape Code's Stony Brook to celebrate the completion of a project which restored natural tidal flow to 20 acres of salt marsh and opened passage for fish to nearly 400 acres of ponds for spawning. NOAA provided $1.65 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to the town of Brewster for the project.	Eric Schwaab, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries, joined officials from the town of Brewster, Mass., and other partners today on the shores of Cape Cod's Stony Brook to celebrate the completion of a American Reinvestment and Recovery Act project that restored natural tidal flow to 20 acres of salt marsh and opened passage for fish to nearly 400 acres of ponds for spawning.	25-Apr-11	Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NOAA; Recovery Act; Brewster, Massachusetts; Cape Cod; Stony Brook
				NOAA provided $1.65 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to the town of Brewster for the project. Contractors replaced a failing undersized culvert beneath state route 6A with a much larger culvert, which allowed a more natural flow of water into and out of the marsh.
				"Fishery resources on the Cape have been hit hard by habitat loss," said Schwaab. "The Stony Brook project helps open up passage for a historic herring run and restores important habitat for the entire ecosystem that can provide long-term benefits to commercial and recreational fisheries."
				Tidal marshes are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth and directly support commercial and recreational fisheries. The new culvert has restored the natural tidal flow to the marsh and improved conditions for river herring to access their spawning ponds. The improved conditions will also decrease the amount of non-native plants on the marsh surface.
				"Protecting and improving the Stony Brook watershed is one of the town's priorities," said Charles Sumner, Stony Brook town administrator. "The watershed contains some of Cape Cod's most important natural resources, including the popular Stony Brook herring run, hundreds of acres of wetlands, rare species, stream habitat, acres of protected open space, and valuable historic and cultural resources."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The program was a combination of tax relief, financial assistance and infrastructure projects designed to cushion the impact of the downturn and lay a foundation for economic recovery. Over the last two years, the Recovery Act has played a significant role in the turnaround of the economy, which has now grown for six straight quarters and added 1.8 million private sector jobs over the past 13 months.
				NOAA received $167 million in funding for coastal restoration, and selected 50 projects nationwide. Most of the 50 projects will be completed within the next year. These projects are supporting thousands of short- and long-term jobs. When complete, these projects will have restored 8,700 acres of habitat and opened access to 700 stream miles for fish passage that had been blocked by obsolete and unsafe dams. The projects also will remove more than 850 metric tons of abandoned fishing gear and other marine trash rebuild oyster and other shellfish habitat, and protect thousands of acres to reduce threats to nearby coral reefs.
				NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us on Facebook.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/18/2011 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20110218_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2011-02-18T18:30:37Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE'S NTIA UNVEILS NATIONAL BROADBAND MAP AND NEW BROADBAND ADOPTION SURVEY RESULTS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2011/NationalBroadbandMap_02172011.html	Press Release	The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) unveiled the National Broadband Map, a searchable nation-wide map of broadband internet availability as well as the results of a nation-wide survey on broadband adoption. NTIA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) collaborated to create the map using data collected by broadband providers or other data sources from each state, territory, and District of Columbia (or their designee).	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2011 News Media Contact: Moira Vahey, (202) 482-0147, mvahey@ntia.doc.gov	2/17/2011	The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) unveiled the National Broadband Map, a searchable nation-wide map of broadband internet availability as well as the results of a nation-wide survey on broadband adoption. NTIA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) collaborated to create the map using data collected by broadband providers or other data sources from each state, territory, and District of Columbia (or their designee).
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today unveiled the National Broadband Map -- the first public, searchable nationwide map of broadband Internet availability -- and the results of a new nationwide survey on broadband adoption. The data will support efforts to expand broadband access and adoption in communities at risk of being left behind in the 21st century economy and help businesses and consumers seeking information on their high-speed Internet options. NTIA met the deadline Congress gave the agency to create and launch the National Broadband Map by February 17, 2011.
				"A state-of-the-art communications infrastructure is essential to America's competitiveness in the global digital economy," said Acting Commerce Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank. "But as Congress recognized, we need better data on America's broadband Internet capabilities in order to improve them. The National Broadband Map, along with today's broadband Internet usage study, will inform efforts to enhance broadband Internet access and adoption -- spurring greater innovation, economic opportunities, and advancements in health care, education, and public safety."
				"The National Broadband Map shows there are still too many people and community institutions lacking the level of broadband service needed to fully participate in the Internet economy. We are pleased to see the increase in broadband adoption last year, particularly in light of the difficult economic environment, but a digital divide remains," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "Through NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, digital literacy activities, and other initiatives, including the tools we are releasing today, the Obama Administration is working to address these challenges."
				National Broadband Map
				The National Broadband Map, available at www.broadbandmap.gov, is an unprecedented searchable database of information on high-speed Internet access. NTIA created the National Broadband Map in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), using data that each state, territory and the District of Columbia (or their designees) collected from broadband providers or other data sources.
				The website resulting from this Federal-state partnership includes more than 25 million searchable records showing where broadband Internet service is available, the technology used to provide the service, the maximum advertised speeds of the service, and the names of the service providers. Users can search by address to find the broadband providers and services available in the corresponding census block or road segment, view the data on a map, or use other interactive tools to compare broadband across various geographies, such as states, counties or congressional districts.
				FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "The release of the National Broadband Map, the first of its kind in the nation, is a significant milestone. This cutting-edge tool will continue to evolve with the help of new data and user feedback. It will provide consumers, companies and policymakers with a wealth of information about broadband availability, speeds, competition and technology, and help Americans make better informed choices about their broadband services."
				The map shows that between 5 - 10 percent of Americans lack access to broadband at speeds that support a basic set of applications, including downloading Web pages, photos and video, and using simple video conferencing. The FCC last July set a benchmark of 4 Mbps actual speed downstream and 1 Mbps upstream to support these applications. NTIA collected data in ranges between 3 6 Mbps and 6 10 Mbps maximum advertised download speeds, which are the closest measurements to the speed benchmark for broadband that the FCC set.
				Other key findings based on the data include:
				Speeds for community anchor institutions: The data show that community anchor institutions are largely underserved. For example, based on studies by state education technology directors, most schools need a connection of 50 to 100 Mbps per 1,000 students. The data show that two-thirds of surveyed schools subscribe to speeds lower than 25 Mbps, however. In addition, only four percent of libraries reported subscribing to speeds greater than 25 Mbps.
				Wireless speeds: Approximately 36 percent of Americans have access to wireless (fixed, mobile, licensed, and unlicensed) Internet service at maximum advertised download speeds of 6 Mbps or greater, which some consider the minimum speed associated with "4G" wireless broadband service. Ninety-five percent of Americans have access to wireless Internet service speeds of at least 768 kbps, which corresponds roughly to "3G" wireless service.
				The map will serve a variety of uses. For example, Federal, state, and local policymakers can compare broadband availability among geographic areas and across demographic groups, which can inform policies to support private sector investments in deploying broadband. The data can assist broadband providers in assessing new business opportunities and economic developers as they work to attract businesses to, or address barriers to investment in, their communities. The map will also help consumers and small businesses learn about the broadband service options in their neighborhood or where they may relocate.
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program
				NTIA created the map through the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). NTIA awarded grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on broadband services. In less than one year, grantees performed two rounds of data collection from 3,400 broadband providers operating in their states, representing more than 1,650 unique broadband companies on the national level. Before sending data to NTIA, grantees used a range of analysis and verification methods, from drive-testing wireless broadband service across their highways to meeting with community leaders for input. Many grantees met with broadband providers, large and small, to confirm data or suggest more accurate depictions of their service areas. Some grantees, unsure of service, performed field investigations. Information on their specific processes may be found on the national broadband map website.
				The map will be updated every six months based on input from grantees. Using crowdsourcing tools, the public can help improve accuracy by providing feedback on the data. The map is consistent with the Obama Administration's Open Government Initiative, undertaking to bring transparency, participation, and collaboration to the way the government operates.
				NTIA's grant program also supports a variety of state-driven efforts to integrate broadband into their economies. In addition to managing this grant program, NTIA will expand its information-sharing and coordination activities in order to serve as a broader resource that empowers state and local broadband practitioners as they develop their individualized plans of action.
				Broadband Adoption Data
				NTIA today also released a new report previewing data collected through the Internet Usage Survey of 54,000 households, commissioned by NTIA and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in October 2010. The Current Population Survey (CPS) data show that while virtually all demographic groups have experienced rising broadband Internet access adoption at home, historic demographic disparities among groups have persisted over time.
				Highlights of the February 2011 Digital Nation report include:
				Broadband Internet access at home continues to grow: 68 percent of households have broadband access, as compared to 63.5 percent last year. (In the survey, broadband was defined as Internet access service that uses DSL, cable modem, fiber optics, mobile broadband, and other high-speed Internet access services.)
				Notable disparities between demographic groups continue: people with low incomes, disabilities, seniors, minorities, the less-educated, non-family households, and the non-employed tend to lag behind other groups in home broadband use.
				While the digital divide between urban and rural areas has lessened since 2007, it remains significant. In 2010, 70 percent of urban households and only 60 percent of rural households accessed broadband Internet service. (Last year, those figures were 66 percent and 54 percent, respectively.)
				Overall, the two most commonly cited main reasons for not having broadband Internet access at home are that it is perceived as not needed (46 percent) or too expensive (25 percent). In rural America, however, lack of broadband availability is a larger reason for non-adoption than in urban areas (9.4 percent vs. 1 percent). Americans also cite the lack of a computer as a factor.
				Despite the growing importance of the Internet in American life, 28.3 percent of all persons do not use the Internet in any location, down from 31.6 percent last year.
				This report, accessible on www.ntia.doc.gov, is based on the first data sets released by the Census Bureau. In the coming months, the Census Bureau will provide NTIA with more geographically detailed data. NTIA intends to release that data to the public through www.data.gov as part of the agency's commitment to open government and transparency.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 10/25/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20101025_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-10-25T22:44:03Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA and Partners Celebrate Dam Breaching on Patapsco River	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20101022_patapscodam.html	Press Release	The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and local partners celebrated the opening of 20 minutes of stream habitat along with Patapsco River in Maryland on October 22. The Patapsco River Restoration Project received $4 million of funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009 to remove both the Simpkins and Union Dams.	Funding for project from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act	22-Oct-10	Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NOAA; Patapsco River; Simkins Dam; Recovery Act; habitat restoration
				NOAA and local partners yesterday celebrated the opening of 20 miles of stream habitat along the Patapsco River in Maryland and its tributaries, a critical step in restoring the Patapsco River and restore the health of the river and strengthen the environmental community. The breaching of the Simkins Dam is a direct result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
				"Breaching the Simkins Dam brings us closer to returning this portion of the Patapsco River to a thriving, free-flowing river," said Eric Schwaab, NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA's Fisheries Service. "And it's terrific that while we are restoring habitat, we are also working to restore our economy through the jobs created in this effort."
				Removing the dam will enhance the health of the river by allowing the natural transport of sediment, restoring 20 miles of spawning habitat for migratory fish including American eel and alewife and other species, and creating a safer recreation area. The dam removal will also increase safety for swimmers and kayakers.
				"I fought to put $167 million in the federal checkbook under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for marine and coastal restoration projects, which put more than 1,100 people to work on 50 projects across America. I am so happy to see that $4 million of these funds are being used right here in Maryland to restore our own Patapsco River," Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (Md.) said. "Restoring this river to its natural condition is important to the animals that depend on it and the people who use it. Removing this dam and others like it means more than 30 miles of the river will eventually flow freely, connecting the Patapsco River State Park to Baltimore Harbor and the Bay."
				The Patapsco River Restoration Project received $4 million last year funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment to remove both the Simkins and Union dams. NOAA, American Rivers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of the Patapsco Valley State Park have worked more than 36 months to implement this project and develop partnerships for future dam removals in the watershed.
				"The removal of Simpkins Dam to restore the Patapsco River is a historic milestone for Maryland," said Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers. "A healthier river will enhance the economy, local community and the Chesapeake Bay. American Rivers is proud to have partnered with private industry, government and other nonprofit organizations on this landmark restoration project. Rivers are remarkably resilient and we are all excited to see the Patapsco River restored."
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century.
				Through the Recovery Act, NOAA was provided $167 million for marine and coastal habitat restoration. The 50 projects funded by NOAA across the country have already put more than 1,140 people to work full time in green jobs. More than 40 projects have broken ground, with the 10 additional projects taking off in the next three to eight months. These projects were selected from a pool of 814 proposals that totaled more than $3 billion in requests.
				When all the planned projects are complete, 8,700 acres of habitat will be restored, and fish will gain access to 700 stream miles that had been blocked by obsolete and unsafe dams. The projects also will remove more than 850 metric tons of abandoned fishing gear and other marine trash, rebuild oyster and other shellfish habitat and reduce threats to 11,750 acres of coral reef habitat. This will benefit salmon, migratory birds, turtles and a variety of threatened and endangered fish and wildlife species.
				NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Find us on Facebook.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 10/18/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20101018_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-10-20T12:31:44Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Establishes Supercomputing Center in West Virginia	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20101013_fairmont.html	Press Release	On October 13, 2010, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco announced a $27.6 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act investment to build a supercomputer center in Fairmont, West Virginia, which is geared to develop and improve the accuracy of global and regional climate and weather model predictions.	NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco today announced a $27.6 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act investment to build a new state-of-the-art supercomputer center in Fairmont, W. Va. Lubchenco was joined by U.S. Rep. Alan B. Mollohan for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the NOAA Environmental Security Computing Center (NESCC), which is geared to develop and improve the accuracy of global and regional climate and weather model predictions.	October 13, 2010	Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NOAA; American Reinvestment and Recovery Act; NOAA Environmental Security Computer Center; NESCC; Fairmont, West Virginia; I-79 Technology Park Research Center
				"This state-of-the-art supercomputer will not only give NOAA a powerful new tool in climate and weather modeling and service delivery, it will also cement north central West Virginia's reputation as a growing high-tech center," said Rep. Mollohan. "This facility will help anchor the I-79 Technology Park for decades to come."
				"Any time we are able to enhance our resources and technologies that help our professionals better predict the weather, it is a direct benefit to our citizens," said Gov. Joe Manchin. "I am pleased that NOAA is investing in West Virginia, and I look forward to the opportunities this center will bring to the state."
				Through a collaborative partnership between NOAA and the U.S. General Services Administration, the joint-agency team successfully acquired a leased facility that would meet NOAA's challenging technical requirements and sustainable design goals. On Aug. 31, GSA awarded a 20-year lease to Vertex Non-Profit Holdings, Inc. NOAA will occupy approximately 54,000 square feet in the I-79 Technology Park Research Center in Fairmont until the year 2031. Renovation activities will start before January 2011, and the center is expected to be fully operational in fall 2011.
				"Demands for more detailed climate and weather information continue to grow from all sectors of society, so NOAA must invest in technology now to meet future needs," said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "The additional computing power at the new center allows NOAA to strengthen its ability to provide the right information at the right time for people to make decisions at all levels. This capacity is part of a suite of climate services NOAA is developing that will help individuals, communities and businesses to make informed decisions in a changing climate."
				"We are thrilled that Fairmont was selected by the GSA and NOAA as the location for such an important technology investment," said James Estep, president and CEO of the West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation. "We have worked hard over the last decade to make the I-79 Technology Park the kind of location that could compete for the types of investment represented by the NESCC. This selection is just more validation that we have been successful."
				The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, or ARRA, was signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges, so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act provided a total of $170 million in funds for NOAA programs for climate modeling activities, including procurement of the supercomputer and research into climate change.
				ARRA funds will also help improve the Vertex-owned Research Center building for construction of the raised-floor data center and associated electrical, mechanical, plumbing and networking infrastructure, and for architectural/engineering design, construction management and commissioning services.
				The NESCC will house one of two new large-scale, high-performance computers funded through the ARRA. In May 2010, NOAA awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with $49.3 million of ARRA funds to the Computer Science Corporation to implement and operate the NESCC supercomputer system.
				NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us on online or at Facebook.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 10/05/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20101005_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-10-05T16:01:02Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Awards $4.8 Million Construction Contract for its Atlantic Marine Operation Center	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20101004_bulkhead.html	Press Release	The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a bureau of the US Department of Commerce, announced a $4,839,000 contract to American Bridge Company, Norfolk, Virginia, to repair the Marine Operations Center, Atlantic. The project, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will improve both safety and operational capabilities at the Norfolk facility.	Recovery Act funds infrastructure projects at Norfolk facility	4-Oct-10	Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NOAA; Recovery Act; Marine Operations Center, Atlantic; MOA; American Bridge Company
				October 4, 2010
				NOAA announced a $4,839,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract was awarded to American Bridge Company in Norfolk, Va., to repair its Marine Operational Center-Atlantic. The Recovery Act funds will help boost economic growth, create jobs and improve safety and operational capabilities at the Center.
				"The improvements from this Recovery Act funded project will improve both safety and operational capabilities at our Norfolk facility and, in turn, have a positive impact on our fleet operations in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico," said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.
				The funding will help replace the seawall bulkhead and fendering system. The existing MOC-A bulkhead was constructed over 40 years ago and has exceeded its design service life, with deterioration of the bulkhead leading to sink holes and other conditions at the site. In addition to replacing the bulkhead, the project will also upgrade the sanitary sewer system and fiber-optic and internet cabling that support NOAA ships. NOAA is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make these repairs.
				NOAA's facility is the only NOAA-owned deepwater port on the East Coast that provides centralized management for operations, logistics, medical, and engineering support for nine NOAA ships operating in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson is home ported at MOC‐A and the facility also serves as a reliable port of call for other NOAA ships. The facility houses office and/or storage space for NOAA's National Ocean Service Atlantic Hydrographic Branch, Navigational Response Team, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and Public Health Services, as well as Old Dominion University.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century.
				NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2010 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100928_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-09-28T18:06:19Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE'S NTIA ANNOUNCES FINAL RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS FOR STATE-DRIVEN BROADBAND ACTIVITIES	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_SBDD_09272010.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a bureau of the US Department of Commerce, announced 56 State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grants totaling $190 million. These grants were funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; states will use this funding to support the efficient and creative use of broadband technology to improve their economies.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 2010 News Media Contact: Moira Vahey, (202) 482-0147, mvahey@ntia.doc.gov	27-Sep-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; broadband internet; state broadband data and development;
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced 56 investments totaling $190 million to support state efforts to compete in the digital economy. These are the final awards in the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
				"As Congress recognized, many communities are being left behind in the 21st Century economy and need improved broadband access and adoption to compete," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "Each state has unique broadband challenges, and these investments will support solutions developed by the states to harness the power of technology so that local businesses can thrive and residents can enjoy a better quality of life."
				The 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia will use this funding to support the efficient and creative use of broadband technology to improve their economies. These state-created efforts vary depending on local needs but include programs to assist small businesses and community institutions in using technology more effectively, research to investigate barriers to broadband adoption, innovative applications that increase access to government services and information, and state and local task forces to expand broadband access and adoption.
				As examples of these diverse state-driven projects:
				Massachusetts will provide technical assistance to small businesses and non-profit organizations to help them improve operations through broadband and technology use. Pennsylvania plans to research barriers to the use of broadband by manufacturers and to examine the impact of broadband use on the competiveness of this sector. In Florida, technology teams will provide hardware and network assessments to public libraries, enabling them to provide faster and more reliable Internet service to the public. Arkansas plans to expand online county government services, particularly in rural communities, allowing residents to access these services from their homes. Colorado plans to organize a state-wide broadband task force to promote the growth of distance learning and to implement and assess the impact of several pilot projects. North Carolina will leverage years of experience to expand its broadband planning teams into more communities, driving broadband- and technology-based economic development.
				Launched in 2009, NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development grant program implements the joint purposes of the Recovery Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA), which envisioned a comprehensive program, led by state entities or non-profit organizations working at their direction, to facilitate the integration of broadband and information technology into state and local economies. Economic development, energy efficiency, and advances in education and health care rely not only on broadband infrastructure, but also on the knowledge and tools to leverage that infrastructure.
				Since accurate data is critical for broadband planning, another purpose of the grant program is to assist states in gathering data twice a year on the availability, speed, and location of broadband services, as well as the broadband services that community institutions, such as schools, libraries and hospitals, use. This data will be used by NTIA to update a searchable, interactive national broadband map once it is completed by the agency by February 17, 2011. NTIA originally funded state data collection and validation efforts for a two-year period; with today's announcement, grantees will be able to continue these efforts for an additional three years.
				The Recovery Act provided up to $350 million for implementation of the BDIA and to develop and maintain the national broadband map. All 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia (or their designated entities) were eligible for funding through the SBDD grant program to support these goals. NTIA previously awarded funding to 54 of the entities for initial activities. When combined with today's announcement, NTIA has awarded a total of $293 million in grants among all 56 eligible entities.
				The following awards, which are supplements to the existing grants, are announced today.
				Alabama: The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is awarded $2,977,819. Alaska: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Alaska, is awarded $4,457,388. American Samoa: The American Samoa Government is awarded $842,915. Arizona: The Arizona Government Information Technology Agency is awarded $4,064,606. Arkansas: Connect Arkansas is awarded $4,094,128.*
				California: The California Public Utilities Commission is awarded $5,637,544. Colorado: The Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology is awarded $3,273,107. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: The Office of the Governor is awarded a grant in the amount of $1,216,116.** Connecticut: The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control is awarded $1,949,169.
				Delaware: The Delaware Department of Technology and Information is awarded $1,537,717. District of Columbia: The District of Columbia Office of the Chief Technology Officer is awarded $2,548,530. Florida: The Florida Department of Management Services is awarded $6,308,570. Georgia: The Georgia Technology Authority is awarded $3,036,240. Guam: One Economy Corporation, the designated entity on behalf of the Territory of Guam, is awarded a grant in the amount of $1,558,950.**
				Hawaii: The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is awarded $2,400,000. Idaho: The Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Idaho, is awarded $2,653,857. Iowa: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Iowa, is awarded $3,515,682. Illinois: The Partnership for a Connected Illinois, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Illinois, is awarded $4,709,130. Indiana: The Indiana Office of Technology is awarded $2,028,497.
				Kansas: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Kansas, is awarded $4,397,431. Kentucky: The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Office of Technology is awarded $3,213,717. Louisiana: The Louisiana Division of Administration is awarded $4,961,251. Maine: The State of Maine's Connect ME Authority is awarded $3,193,992. Maryland: The Maryland Broadband Cooperative is awarded $2,754,686.
				Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Broadband Institute is awarded $4,093,476. Michigan: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Michigan, is awarded $2,989,930. Minnesota: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Minnesota, is awarded $2,761,171. Mississippi: The Mississippi Office of the Governor is awarded $4,997,013.
				Missouri: The Missouri Office of Administration is awarded $4,600,000. Montana: The Montana Department of Commerce is awarded $3,997,914. Nebraska: The Nebraska Public Service Commission is awarded $3,565,926. Nevada: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Nevada, is awarded $2,565,115. New Hampshire: The University of New Hampshire is awarded $4,377,623. New Jersey: The New Jersey Office of Information Technology is awarded $2,927,813.
				New Mexico: The New Mexico Department of Information Technology is awarded $2,876,905. New York: The New York State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure is awarded $6,375,431. North Carolina: The Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. (e-NC Authority) is awarded $4,587,122. North Dakota: The North Dakota Information Technology Department is awarded $2,050,333.
				Ohio: The Ohio Office of Information Technology is awarded $5,253,023. Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Office of State Finance is awarded $1,675,300. Oregon: The Public Utility Commission of Oregon is awarded $3,550,000. Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is awarded $5,110,628.
				Puerto Rico: The Office of the Governor is awarded $1,108,957. Rhode Island: The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation is awarded $3,002,127. South Carolina: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of South Carolina, is awarded $2,293,429. South Dakota: The South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications is awarded $3,830,087.
				Tennessee: Connected Tennessee is awarded $2,722,118. Texas: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Texas, is awarded $4,997,835. Utah: The Utah Public Service Commission is awarded $3,151,583.
				Vermont: The Vermont Center for Geographic Information is awarded $2,345,500. Virgin Islands: The Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority is awarded $1,714,652. Virginia: The Center for Innovative Technology, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Virginia, is awarded $5,800,000. Washington: The Washington State Department of Information Services is awarded $5,098,262.
				West Virginia: The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey is awarded $3,344,507. Wisconsin: The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is awarded $2,822,468. Wyoming: The Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Wyoming, is awarded $2,361,028.
				*Connect Arkansas is not affiliated with the national non-profit Connected Nation.
				**These two are initial grant awards.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100928_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-09-28T18:05:48Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Secretary Locke Announces Recovery Act Investments To Expand Broadband Internet Access And Spur Economic Growth	http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2010/09/27/secretary-locke-announces-recovery-act-investments-expand-broadband-i	Press Release	Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke announced 14 National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Recovery Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant awards totaling $206.8 million. These investments will support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, September 27, 2010 CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 202-482-4883	9/27/2010	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; broadband internet;
				Announcement Completes Broadband Stimulus Awards
				U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced 14 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to help bridge the technological divide, create jobs, and improve education and public safety in communities across the country. The investments, totaling $206.8 million in grants, are the final awards in a program to increase broadband Internet access and adoption, enhancing the quality of life for Americans and laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.
				"In a globalized 21st century economy, when you don't have regular access to high-speed Internet, you don't have access to all the educational, business and employment opportunities it provides," Locke said. "These critical Recovery Act investments will create jobs and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable economic growth in communities across America."
				"In total, we are investing in 233 strong projects that reach every state. Most are middle mile' networks that expand high-speed Internet availability to communities and connect key institutions, such as schools, libraries, and hospitals. This focus allows us to get the biggest bang for every grant dollar by addressing communities' broadband problems while creating jobs and facilitating sustainable economic growth," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "We are also investing in public computer centers and training to help more Americans compete better in today's workforce."
				The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service are administering a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative to expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing approximately $4 billion of that funding for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Based on estimates provided by grant recipients, the 233 BTOP projects will:
				Fund the installation or upgrade of approximately 120,000 miles of broadband networks, including fiber-optics, wireless, microwave, and other technologies. Of this amount, approximately 70,000 miles involve construction of new broadband facilities.
				Provide broadband access to approximately 24,000 community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, government offices, health care facilities, and public safety entities. Of these, approximately:
				3,000 are healthcare entities, including hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices 5,000 are public safety entities, such as first responders, fire, police, and EMS 7,000 are K-12 schools 600 are community colleges 2,000 are libraries 5,000 are government facilities, such as City and County offices, workforce centers, Head Start locations, and other entities providing important benefits to the public 700 are other institutions of higher education, including public universities
				Deploy middle mile infrastructure in areas with nearly 40 million households and 4 million businesses, many of which will benefit from new or improved broadband service provided by last-mile providers that are able to utilize the new, open infrastructure to extend or upgrade their service for consumer and business customers. Invest in more than 3,500 new or upgraded public computer centers in libraries, schools, community centers and other public locations. Invest in more than 35,000 new or upgraded public computer workstations. Make public computer center workstations and training available to more than 1 million new users.
				These anticipated benefits will be realized over the life of each project, which must be substantially complete within two years and fully complete within three years.
				According to analysis released by the National Economic Council last year, overall Recovery Act investments in broadband are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the near term and expand economic development and job opportunities in communities that would otherwise be left behind in the new knowledge-based economy.
				"NTIA's work is far from over," Strickling added. "We will be overseeing these projects to ensure they are completed on schedule and within budget, and deliver the promised benefits to the communities they serve."
				The following are the BTOP grants announced today:
				Comprehensive Community Infrastructure awards:
				California: Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority. This $154.6 million grant will fund deployment of an interoperable wireless public safety broadband network across Los Angeles County to serve more than 80 public safety agencies and up to 34,000 first responders. The network will enable computer-aided dispatch, rapid law enforcement queries, real-time video streaming, medical telemetry and patient tracking, and other uses. Colorado: Adams County Communications Center, Inc. This $12.1 million grant will fund deployment of an interoperable wireless public safety broadband network in an area that includes Adams County and the Denver International Airport to serve more than 20 public safety agencies and up to 2,000 first responders. The project will enable uses such as HAZMAT database query and records access, criminal checks, airport perimeter security, and emergency runway clearance.
				Public Computer Center awards:
				California: Monterey County Office of Education. This $3.6 million grant will fund approximately three new and 26 upgraded public computer centers, and 500 new or upgraded workstations, to serve up to an additional 5,000 users each week and provide training for as many as 10,000 residents. Colorado: Colorado Board of Education. This $2.3 million grant will fund approximately six new and 70 upgraded public computer centers, and 1,200 new or upgraded workstations, to serve up to an additional 21,000 users each week and provide training for as many as 90,000 residents. Delaware: Delaware Department of State. This $1.9 million grant will fund the upgrade of 32 public computer centers and approximately 50 new workstations to serve up to an additional 1,300 users each week and provide training for as many as 2,000 residents.
				Florida: Florida A&M University. This $1.5 million grant will fund a new public computer center with 65 workstations to serve an estimated 2,800 users each week and provide training for as many as 14,500 residents. Nevada: Lyon County School District. This $745,000 grant will fund six new public computer centers with approximately 120 workstations to serve up to an estimated 1,700 users each week and provide training for as many as 7,500 residents. New York: Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. This $642,000 grant will fund five new public computer centers with approximately 60 workstations to serve up to an additional 500 users each week and provide training for as many as 2,700 residents.
				Sustainable Broadband Adoption awards:
				Arkansas: Connect Arkansas, Inc. This $3.7 million grant will fund training for approximately 2,600 residents, focusing on digital literacy, online entrepreneurship, and access to telehealth services. California: California Emerging Technology Fund. This $7.1 million grant will fund a project designed to place unemployed residents in IT-industry jobs by training approximately 37,000 people and providing computers to qualified low-income residents who graduate from a broadband training curriculum.
				California: City and County of San Francisco. This $7.9 million grant will fund a project to provide broadband-related training to approximately 8,400 seniors, low-income individuals, and others in economically and socially vulnerable groups. California, Louisiana, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Texas: Portland State University. This $3.3 million grant will fund digital literacy and other training tailored to adult learners. The project intends to train approximately 23,000 people, focusing on economically vulnerable populations, to prepare them for careers in the digital economy.
				Michigan: Michigan State University. This $5.2 million grant will fund a project to provide broadband-related training to approximately 3,200 residents, focusing on high school students, displaced workers, and small businesses in 11 cities across the state. One project aim is to prepare displaced former industrial workers for IT jobs. Washington: Toledo Telephone Company. This $2.1 million grant will fund a project with the Cowlitz Tribe to provide broadband-related training to approximately 750 residents. Qualified residents who complete a training curriculum may receive subsidized equipment and broadband access.
				(Fact sheets with further information about all BTOP grants are available on the NTIA program web site here: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandUSA)

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/20/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100920_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-09-21T13:44:13Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces Recovery Act Investment to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth in Maryland	http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2010/09/17/us-commerce-secretary-gary-locke-announces-recovery-act-investment-ex	Press Release	A $115.2 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant to the Maryland Department of Information Technology was announced by US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on Friday, September 17. The investment will delivery affordable broadband service to each of Maryland's 24 counties.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, September 17, 2010 CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 202-482-4883	17-Sep-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program; BTOP; broadband internet; Maryland;
				U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces Recovery Act Investment to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth in Maryland
				U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $115.2 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education, public safety, and healthcare delivery in Maryland.
				"In a globalized 21st century economy, when you don't have regular access to high-speed Internet, you don't have access to all the educational, business and employment opportunities it provides," Locke said. "This critical Recovery Act investment will create jobs and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable economic growth in Maryland."
				The grant to the Maryland Department of Information Technology will fund deployment of high-speed Internet infrastructure to deliver affordable broadband service to each of Maryland's 24 counties. The project plans to construct over 1,200 miles of new fiber and incorporate 2,400 miles of existing fiber from three independent networks. The new network plans to provide enhanced broadband service to more than 1,000 community anchor institutions, including universities, K-12 schools, libraries, public safety, and healthcare facilities, and connect educational hubs like the University of Maryland and Coppin State University to National LambdaRail and Internet2. In addition, local Internet service providers will be able to utilize the new infrastructure to deploy new or improved high-speed Internet service to consumers and businesses.
				"This project will have a real and lasting impact on Maryland by improving the quality of life for residents and helping businesses, particularly those in areas like the western panhandle and eastern shore, better compete in the global economy," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said.
				The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service are administering a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative to expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing approximately $4 billion of that funding for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far announced 219 BTOP grants to benefit communities nationwide.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/17/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100917_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-09-17T17:32:59Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND WASHINGTON; PROJECTS WILL INCREASE ACCESS TO JUSTICE	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_AccessToJustice091310.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced two Recovery Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant awards totaling $6.1 million. The North Carolina Central University's School of Law will receive a grant of nearly $2 million to upgrade broadband service while expanding access to its legal education programs. The Puget Sound Center Foundation for Teaching, Learning, and Technology will receive a $4.1 million grant to expand or upgrade 39 public computer centers in Washington State.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 16, 2010	16-Sep-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program; BTOP; North Carolina; Washington State; Puget Sound; broadband internet
				News Media Contact:
				Moira Vahey, (202) 482-0147, mvahey@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced two American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments, totaling $6.1 million in grants, to help bridge the technological divide, improve education, and increase access to legal services in North Carolina and Washington.
				"These Recovery Act investments illustrate how broadband technology can not only expand economic and educational opportunities, but it can also make the justice system more accessible to the public," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said.
				North Carolina Central University's School of Law will receive a nearly $2 million grant to upgrade broadband service while expanding access to its legal education programs. The project will use videoconferencing to bring low-income residents greater access to legal services and extend classes to four partner Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 22 legal assistance sites. The project also plans to hold legal writing seminars for undergraduates to better prepare them for law school and increase minority representation in the legal profession, as well as to provide legal classes geared towards middle and high school students.
				The Puget Sound Center Foundation for Teaching, Learning, and Technology will receive a $4.1 million grant to expand or upgrade 39 public computer centers in Washington State. This includes partnering with the Northwest Justice Project, Washington's publicly funded legal aid program, to establish public computer centers in five rural courts, including the Kalispel tribal court, where the public can access online legal resources and other services. The project also plans enhanced training offerings for economically vulnerable populations, including courses addressing GED test preparation, digital literacy, job searches, and financial education.
				The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service are administering a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative to expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing approximately $4 billion of that funding for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far announced 218 BTOP grants that benefit communities across the nation.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/15/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100915_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-09-15T23:46:06Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Secretary Gary Locke Announces Recovery Act Investments to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth	http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2010/09/13/secretary-gary-locke-announces-recovery-act-investments-expand-broadb	Press Release	On September 13, 2010, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced 35 Recovery Act National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grants totaling $482.4 million. These grants support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, September 13, 2010 CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 202-482-4883	13-Sep-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; broadband internet;
				Secretary Gary Locke Announces Recovery Act Investments to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth
				U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced 35 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare across the country. The investments, totaling $482.4 million in grants, will fund projects that pave the way to bring enhanced high-speed Internet access to millions of households and businesses and link thousands of schools, hospitals, libraries, and public safety offices to the information superhighway.
				"In a globalized 21st century economy, when you don't have regular access to high-speed Internet, you don't have access to all the educational, business and employment opportunities it provides," Locke said. "These critical Recovery Act investments will create jobs and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable economic growth in communities across America."
				"These projects will have a real, lasting impact on communities across the country," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "We are investing in middle mile' networks that bring high-speed Internet access to communities and connect key anchor institutions, such as schools, libraries, and hospitals. We are also investing in projects to improve access and spur Internet usage and adoption. This allows us to get the most bang for every grant dollar and award projects that will address communities' broadband problems while creating jobs and facilitating sustainable economic growth."
				The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service are administering a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative to expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing approximately $4 billion of that funding for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant award announcements, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far announced 216 BTOP grants that benefit communities across the nation.
				The following grants were announced today:
				Comprehensive Community Infrastructure awards:
				Arizona: GovNET LLC This $39.3 million grant, with an additional $12.7 million in matching contributions, will allow GovNET to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in Arizona. The project plans to improve broadband access for as many as 280 community institutions, with a focus on improving public safety, healthcare delivery, and other critical government services. Colorado: Centennial Board of Cooperative Educational Services This $100.6 million grant, with an additional $34.7 million in matching contributions, will allow Centennial Board of Cooperative Educational Services to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in Colorado, with a particular focus on serving rural and underserved school districts. The project plans to improve broadband access for as many as 230 community institutions. Connecticut: Department of Information Technology This $93.9 million grant, with an additional $23.5 million in matching contributions, will allow the Connecticut Department of Information Technology to deploy over 5,500 miles of fiber network to upgrade and expand existing broadband infrastructure and improve the state's public safety and educational services.
				Illinois: Northern Illinois University This $46.1 million grant, with an additional $22.4 million in matching contributions, will allow Northern Illinois University to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in areas of northwestern Illinois. The project plans to improve broadband access for more than 500 community institutions. Missouri: Sho-Me Technologies, LLC This $26.6 million grant, with an additional $11.4 million in matching contributions, will allow Sho-Me Technologies to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in Missouri. The project plans to improve broadband access for as many as 100 community institutions. The project also plans to foster SmartGrid applications for better-informed and more efficient energy use in the region. Montana: Ronan Telephone Company This $13.8 million grant, with an additional $5.9 million in matching contributions, will allow the Ronan Telephone Company to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service across northwest Montana, including several tribal regions and areas of the state with high unemployment rates. The project plans to improve broadband access for as many as 30 community institutions.
				Rhode Island: OSHEAN, Inc. This $21.7 million grant, with an additional $10.7 million in matching contributions, will allow OSHEAN to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The project plans to improve broadband access for as many as 50 community institutions and expand high-capacity broadband services for higher education, research, remote healthcare, and economic development and job training uses. Tennessee: Onwav, Inc. This $5.2 million grant, with an additional $1.3 million in matching contributions, will allow Onwav to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in north-central Tennessee. The project plans to improve broadband access for more than 150 community institutions. Texas: Region 18 Education Service Center This $11.9 million grant, with an additional $5.3 million in matching contributions, will allow Region 18 Education Service Center to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in Texas. The project plans to improve broadband access for as many as 200 community institutions.
				Utah: Ute Indian Tribe This $1.4 million grant, with an additional $630,000 in matching contributions, will allow the Ute Indian Tribe to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service for the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah as well as and nearby areas in the state. The project plans to improve broadband access for approximately 40 community institutions, enhancing distance learning, telehealth, and public safety applications.
				Public Computer Center awards:
				Alabama: Auburn University This $4.6 million grant, with an additional $1.2 million in matching contributions, will allow Auburn University to deploy 1,000 new computer workstations and upgrade nearly 500 more at 94 rural libraries and 21 high schools in the state of Alabama. The project also plans to offer over 1,000 online courses for users seeking educational opportunities, along with distance learning and telemedicine applications. Alaska: Alaska Department of Education & Early Development This $5.4 million grant, with an additional $2.9 million in matching contributions, will allow the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development to enhance public computer centers at 104 libraries statewide and launch an innovative free public videoconferencing network available to all Alaska public library users. California: Youth Policy Institute, Inc. This $5.6 million grant, with an additional $1.4 million in matching contributions, will allow Youth Policy Institute to increase access to public computer centers by deploying more than 1,500 computer workstations in 80 public computer centers in California. The project also plans to provide job training services to residents in the areas with a focus on predominantly Hispanic communities and high-risk populations.
				Georgia: Professional Resources Management of Rabun, LLC This $1.1 million grant, with an additional $870,000 in matching contributions, will allow Professional Resources Management of Rabun, LLC to deploy 30 new workstations in two new computer centers to improve workforce development, education, and healthcare services in Rabun County, Georgia. The project also plans to improve access to health information for the public and launch a videoconferencing telehealth initiative to allow healthcare providers to interact and share information statewide. Kentucky: Louisville-Jefferson County Metro This $744,000 grant, with an additional $487,000 in matching contributions, will allow Louisville-Jefferson County Metro to deploy approximately 130 new workstations in 18 upgraded public computer centers in Kentucky. The project also plans to hire professional librarians to provide training services for youth and economically vulnerable populations in area.
				Missouri: Missouri Department of Higher Education This $5 million grant, with an additional $1.6 million in matching contributions, will allow the Missouri Department of Higher Education to expand a network of public computer centers across the state. The project plans to establish and enhance 23 public computer centers in Missouri, with a particular focus on serving community college students and economically disadvantaged residents.
				New York: City of New York This $13.9 million grant, with an additional $7.2 million in matching contributions, will allow the City of New York to improve public computer centers by deploying 480 new workstations and upgrading nearly 550 more at over 90 locations throughout the city, focusing in particular on high-poverty areas. The project also plans to create after-school programs and provide test preparation and workforce education for economically vulnerable communities. Ohio: Toledo-Lucas County Public Library This $2.2 million grant, with an additional $927,000 in matching contributions, will allow the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library to enhance and expand public computer access for Toledo residents by deploying approximately 110 new computer workstations and upgrading approximately 20 more at two public locations in Ohio. The project also plans to deliver free education and training classes on health awareness, computer literacy, and job skills for area residents.
				Texas: City of El Paso This $8.4 million grant, with an additional $4.6 million in matching contributions, will allow the City of El Paso to increase public computer access by deploying 750 new computer workstations and upgrading nearly 650 more in nearly 100 public computer centers in the city. The project also plans to provide economically vulnerable populations with computer technology training. Texas: Technology for All, Inc. This $9.6 million grant, with an additional $2.7 million in matching contributions, will allow Technology for All to enhance public computer centers across southwest Texas by deploying approximately 500 new workstations and upgrading 780 more in 70 public computer centers. The program will also provide access and digital literacy services to low-income and vulnerable populations.
				Virgin Islands: Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority This $3 million grant, with an additional $1.4 million in matching contributions, will allow the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority to establish and upgrade more than 40 public computer centers across the territory. The project plans to provide access to more than 700 new computer workstations, 420 of which will be a part of a unique telework program to train island residents for work-at-home call center jobs.
				Sustainable Broadband Adoption awards:
				Alabama: Alabama Department of Economic & Community Affairs This $1.2 million grant, with an additional $1.2 million in matching contributions, will allow the Alabama Department of Economic & Community Affairs to help bridge the digital divide and promote engagement in the Internet economy throughout the state. The program plans to create a broadband awareness campaign and interactive training program to foster demand and educate residents about the benefits of broadband, reaching out in particular to economically vulnerable populations. Alaska: University of Alaska Fairbanks This $4.5 million grant, with an additional $2.4 in matching contributions, will allow the University of Alaska Fairbanks to promote broadband adoption and access across the state. The project will provide computer skills and broadband awareness training to residents in remote villages across the state, particularly targeting dozens of Native American villages that are most in need of improved service and adoption levels.
				California: University of California, Davis This $9.1 million grant, with an additional $4.7 million in matching contributions, will allow the University of California, Davis to improve and expand telehealth service for California residents. The project will promote adoption of an existing telehealth broadband network in the state, establish 15 telehealth communities to serve as models for sustainable healthcare delivery, and equip community anchor facilities with tools and training to improve healthcare literacy via broadband access. Georgia: Georgia Partnership for Telehealth, Inc. This $2.5 million grant, with an additional $1.2 million in matching contributions, will allow Georgia Partnership for Telehealth to connect community-serving institutions, like hospitals, schools, and public health departments in the state, by expanding an existing telehealth network to 67 additional community anchor sites. The project also plans to implement a training and awareness program for residents and rural healthcare providers to improve healthcare delivery in areas of the state with high levels of poverty.
				Illinois: MyWay Village, Inc. This $4.7 million grant, with an additional $2.1 million in matching contributions, will allow MyWay Village to increase broadband adoption within the senior communities in Illinois. The project plans to provide digital literacy training and technical support, offer workforce skill development particularly targeted for seniors, and increase access to computers and Internet connections. Iowa: Central Iowa Hospital Corporation This $8.3 million grant, with an additional $6.2 million in matching contributions, will allow the Central Iowa Hospital Corporation to bring high-speed broadband capabilities to rural medical facilities across underserved parts of Iowa and stimulate job creation within the rural health sector of the state. The project plans to provide 2,400 hours of teacher-led training each year for approximately 7,900 residents in the region over the three-year life of the project.
				Massachusetts: City of Boston This $4.3 million grant, with an additional $1.5 million in matching contributions, will allow the City of Boston to increase broadband adoption in low-income areas of the city by expanding access to computer equipment as well as providing computer skills and broadband awareness training to as many as 4,200 residents over the life of the project. Maine: Axiom Technologies, LLC This $1.4 million grant, with an additional $445,000 in matching contributions, will allow Axiom Technologies, LLC to increase broadband adoption in Maine by providing broadband training, access, equipment, and support to community-serving institutions and economically vulnerable populations in the state. The project also intends to launch a pilot project to help local industries and small businesses utilize broadband technologies.
				Michigan: Eastern UP Intermediate School District This $3.2 million grant, with an additional $1.3 million in matching contributions, will allow the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District to spur broadband adoption among economically disadvantaged students in Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula by providing 3,500 computers and supporting software to economically disadvantaged students. New York: City of New York This $6 million grant, with an additional $2.5 million in matching contributions, will allow the City of New York to help at-risk students develop skills to graduate and successfully transition to college or a career by providing them with computer training, refurbished computer equipment, and expanded Internet access at home for the students and their families.
				New York: Wildwood Programs, Inc. This $845,000 grant, with an additional $259,000 in matching contributions, will allow Wildwood Programs to upgrade broadband services and deploy videoconferencing and other technology tools to 75 facilities in upstate New York. The project will focus in particular on human service organizations that serve people with disabilities in the area. Pennsylvania: The Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition This $11.8 million grant, with an additional $5.6 million in matching contributions, will allow the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition to address the lag in broadband adoption in urban Philadelphia. The project will conduct strategic outreach, access, and training programs for residents with no or limited at-home access, focusing in particular on the most economically and socially vulnerable populations.
				Texas: Mexican Institute of Greater Houston, Inc. This $2 million grant, with an additional $596,000 in matching contributions, will allow the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston to increase broadband adoption by creating outreach, awareness, and training programs in the area that will target Hispanic and minority communities, as well as conduct technology training sessions in Spanish for students and their families. Virgin Islands: Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority This $2.5 million grant, with an additional $1.2 million in matching contributions, will allow the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority to increase broadband subscribership and stimulate job growth in the U.S. Virgin Islands by providing digital literacy and job-skills training as well as launching a telework program with special training for job-seekers in the region.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/13/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100913_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-09-14T17:20:58Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NTIA ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN HAWAII	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_Hawaii_09102010.html	Press Release	Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling announced two American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grants totaling $35.9 million to the University of Hawaii System. A $34 million grant will expand and enhance internet infrastructure in the state and a $1.9 million grant will fund nearly 700 new broadband-connected computer workstations for public use at more than 60 facilities.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 10, 2010	10-Sep-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; University of Hawaii;
				News Media Contact:
				Moira Vahey, (202) 482-0147, mvahey@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling today announced two American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education in Hawaii. The investments, totaling $35.9 million in grants, will fund expanded public computer centers and high-speed Internet infrastructure in areas throughout the state, connecting community institutions to broadband service and laying the groundwork to bring new or improved broadband to thousands of consumers and businesses.
				The University of Hawaii System will receive a $34 million grant to expand and enhance Internet infrastructure in the state by funding construction of 454 miles of new fiber and incorporating 1,070 miles of existing fiber into the current statewide network. The project will enhance broadband access for approximately 380 community anchor institutions including public universities, community colleges, and libraries to facilitate uses such as distance learning. In addition, local Internet service providers will be able to utilize the project's open network to bring new or improved broadband service to as many as 400,000 households and 99,000 businesses.
				The University of Hawaii System will also receive a $1.9 million grant to fund nearly 700 new broadband-connected computer workstations for public use at more than 60 facilities, including libraries and community colleges, on the state's six major islands. Residents have encountered long wait times at many of these centers due to increased demand for broadband access, and the grant will enable the centers to accommodate approximately 10,000 additional weekly users and provide computer training. The Hawaii State Public Library System, the Hawaii State Department of Education, and the State of Hawaii Executive Branch are partners in this project, which will include the installation of accessible broadband workstations at Hawaii's Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
				"These investments will improve broadband service and access in Hawaii, where too many residents and community institutions currently rely on slow Internet access due in part to the state's topography," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said.
				The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service are administering a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative to expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing approximately $4 billion of that funding for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far announced 181 BTOP grants to benefit communities nationwide.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/09/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100909_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-09-09T18:23:47Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NIST Finalizes Initial Set of Smart Grid Cyber Security Guidelines	http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/nist-finalizes-initial-set-of-smart-grid-cyber-security-guidelines.cfm	Press Release	On September 2, 2010, the National Institute of Standards and Technology issued guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security. This three-volume set of guidelines is intended to facilitate organization-specific Smart Grid cyber security strategies focused on prevention, detection, response and recovery. The new report was prepared by the Cyber Security Working Group of the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel, a public-private partnership launched by NIST with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding from the Department of Energy.	For Immediate Release: September 2, 2010	2-Sep-10	Department of Commerce; Department of Energy; National Institute of Standards and Technology; NIST; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; Smart Grid; cyber security;
				Contact: Mark Bello
				301-975-3776
				WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued today its first Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security, which includes high-level security requirements, a framework for assessing risks, an evaluation of privacy issues at personal residences, and additional information for businesses and organizations to use as they craft strategies to protect the modernizing power grid from attacks, malicious code, cascading errors, and other threats.
				The product of two formal public reviews and the focus of numerous workshops and teleconferences over the past 17 months, the three-volume set of guidelines is intended to facilitate organization-specific Smart Grid cyber security strategies focused on prevention, detection, response and recovery.
				"As we modernize the nation's electric infrastructure to make it smarter, more efficient, and more capable, we need to make it more secure from end to end," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "These new cyber security guidelines will help government and industry meet this important responsibility."
				"The development of common Smart Grid standards is a national priority, and these cyber security guidelines are an important step toward that goal," said U.S Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "If we are to truly modernize our electrical grid, we must have electricity producers, distributors and consumers all speaking the same language and all working together to make our grid more secure. Cyber security is an integral part of the grid."
				The new report was prepared by the Cyber Security Working Group (CSWG) of the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel, a public-private partnership launched by NIST with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding from the Department of Energy. The guidelines are the second major output of NIST-coordinated efforts to identify and develop standards needed to convert the nation's aging electric grid into an advanced, digital infrastructure with two-way capabilities for communicating information, controlling equipment and distributing energy.
				Produced by the 450-member working group, with participants from academia and both the public and private sectors, the new guidelines elaborate on the cyber security overview in the group's first major output, the January 2010 NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 1.0. They provide the technical background and details that can inform organizations' efforts to securely implement Smart Grid technologies.
				"These advisory guidelines are a starting point for the sustained national effort that will be required to build a safe, secure and reliable Smart Grid," said George Arnold, NIST's national coordinator for Smart Grid interoperability. "They provide a technical foundation for utilities, hardware and software manufacturers, energy management service providers, and others to build upon. Each organization's implementation of cyber security requirements should evolve as technology advances and new threats to grid security arise."
				The report advocates a layered or "defense in depth" approach to security. Because cyber security threats are diverse and evolving, the report recommends implementing multiple levels of security.
				The guidelines identify 137 interfaces points of data exchange or other types of interactions within or between different Smart Grid systems and subsystems. These are assigned to one or more of 22 categories on the basis of shared or similar functional and security characteristics. In all, the report details 189 high-level security requirements applicable either to the entire Smart Grid or to particular parts of the grid and associated interface categories.
				The new report also includes:
				a description of the risk assessment process used to identify the requirements;
				a discussion of technical cryptographic and key management issues across the scope of Smart Grid systems and devices;
				initial recommendations for addressing privacy risks and challenges pertaining to personal residences and electric vehicles;
				an overview of the process that the CSWG developed to assess whether existing or new standards that enable Smart Grid interoperability also satisfy the high-level security requirements included in the report; and
				summaries of research needs.
				Under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Congress assigned NIST to coordinate development of a framework that would enable a Smart Grid that is safe, secure and interoperable from end to end. In its January 2010 report, NIST described a high-level conceptual reference model for the Smart Grid, identified existing or emerging standards relevant to the ongoing development of an interoperable Smart Grid, and spelled out several high-priority standards-related gaps and issues that NIST and its partners are now addressing.
				All three volumes of Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security (NISTIR 7628) can be downloaded at: http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsNISTIRs.html#NIST-IR-7628.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/07/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100907_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-09-09T18:14:40Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Announces $131.9 Million Recovery Act Contract to Complete Construction of the Pacific Regional Center	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100903_prcconstruction.html	Press Release	On September 3, 2010, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a $131.9 million Recovery Act contract to construct the main facility at NOAA's new Pacific Regional Center on Ford Island in Honolulu, Hawaii. NOAA is partnering with the US Navy to modernize and consolidate NOAA's progrrams supporting management of coastal and marine resources and weather, tsunami, and climate prediction in the Pacific.	NOAA today announced a $131.9 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract to Walsh Construction Company of Chicago to construct the main facility at NOAA's new Pacific Regional Center on Ford Island in Honolulu.	3-Sep-10	Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NOAA; Recovery Act; ARRA; Pacific Regional Center; Ford Island; Hawaii; Walsh Construction Company; Chicago; Illinois
				The construction of the main facility is the final phase of NOAA's Pacific Regional Center project. NOAA is partnering with the U.S. Navy to redevelop existing federal facilities on Ford Island to modernize and consolidate NOAA's programs supporting management of coastal and marine resources and weather, tsunami, and climate prediction in the Pacific.
				When complete the facility will encompass more than 300,000 square feet of lab and office space in two renovated World War II-era hangars and a third, new building that together will realize NOAA's goal of an integrated facility.
				"This Recovery Act funded project is central to our mission in the Pacific region," said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "This will be a world-class science, and operational research facility, enabling us to further promote international scientific, as well as local educational, partnerships."
				Currently there are approximately 600 NOAA employees and contractors in Hawaii. The Pacific Regional Center enables NOAA to move out of buildings that are overcrowded or have outlived their useful lives. By bringing the programs together into one facility, NOAA expects to realize benefits in improved operations and mission performance, longer-term operational savings, and opportunities for greater program collaboration and synergy-both within NOAA and with external partners.
				"The construction of the Pacific Regional Center will create approximately 3,000 jobs in Hawaii, real opportunities for businesses and working families struggling to find opportunities during these difficult economic times," said U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii. "The construction of this center is a significant investment in Hawaii and the Pacific Region, and I laud the efforts of everyone involved in this project for recognizing Hawaii's importance as a research and operational hub."
				The facility reflects sustainable design principles, and is targeted for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.
				"As partners in environmental stewardship, we look forward to hosting NOAA's Pacific Regional Center on historic Ford Island," said Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii. "NOAA's educational, environmental and energy-related insights will be of great benefit to our Navy, to the state of Hawaii, and to our nation. We are pleased that Navy Region Hawaii can support their important work here in the Pacific."
				NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/19/2010 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100819_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-08-20T02:21:49Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Secretary Locke Joins Representatives Inslee and Baird in Announcing a $54.5 Million Recovery Act Investment to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Expand Economic Growth in Washington State	http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2010/08/18/secretary-locke-joins-representatives-inslee-and-baird-announcing-545	Press Release	US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced a $54.5 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) State of Washington Broadband Consortium. The investment will bring high-speed internet access across 25 of Washington's 39 counties and connect the region to the rest of the state's digital economy.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	8/18/2010 10:30	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; Northwest Open Access Network; NoaNet; Washington State; Seattle; Native American
				Wednesday, August 18, 2010
				CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
				202-482-4883
				Secretary Locke Joins Representatives Inslee and Baird in Announcing a $54.5 Million Recovery Act Investment to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Expand Economic Growth in Washington State
				U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today joined U.S. Reps. Jay Inslee and Brian Baird at the Seattle Central Library to announce a $54.5 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare in difficult terrain both east and west of the Cascades mountain range in Washington state.
				The grant to the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) State of Washington Broadband Consortium will bring high-speed Internet access across 25 of Washington's 39 counties and connect the region to the rest of the state's digital economy. Earlier today, Vice President Joe Biden announced approximately $1.8 billion in new projects that will create jobs and expand economic opportunities within 37 states across America.
				"This critical investment will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth by connecting difficult terrain both east and west of the Cascades that has been without the full economic, educational and social benefits of high-speed Internet," Locke said. "This $54.5 million grant to NoaNet will pay dividends for decades by expanding high-speed Internet access to schools, libraries, healthcare providers and public safety facilities."
				NoaNet's State of Washington Broadband Consortium project aims to deliver enhanced, affordable broadband capabilities to community anchor institutions and local Internet service providers across 25 of Washington's 39 counties by augmenting NoaNet's existing fiber-optic network. The project intends to support advanced telemedicine services, connect dozens of libraries, boost bandwidth available at regional schools that currently suffer from network problems when too many users try to access the Internet at once, and enable public safety entities to access JusticeNet, Washington state's integrated network that supports state judicial system institutions. This project would complement NoaNet's earlier BTOP award that is funding the construction of 831 miles of fiber-optics in southeastern and southwestern Washington. The project plans to enhance connectivity to six Indian tribes in the state, including the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Yakama Nation, the Lower Elwha Kallam Tribe of Indians, the Suquamish Tribe and the Port Gamble S'Kallam Tribe of Indians.
				"Investment in Broadband will be a fuel for the engine of our economic recovery," said Inslee. "NoaNet's State of Washington Broadband Consortium is one more link in our economic chain that will bring broadband access to underserved communities in the 1st district, and build upon the open Internet that has created millions of new jobs and given thousands of Washingtonians access to the global marketplace."
				"This is a great example of the Recovery Act at work, investing in our infrastructure with increased broadband Internet access," Baird said. "Rural areas make up a large part of southwest Washington, and high-speed Internet access in these areas will help level the playing field. Small businesses can better compete regionally and nationally, and our kids can take advantage of greater educational opportunities for generations to come."
				U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Gov. Chris Gregoire, and U.S. Reps. Norm Dicks, Jim McDermott and Rick Larsen also praised today's award.
				"This investment will help bring affordable and high-speed broadband access to underserved communities across Washington state," said Murray. "Broadband Internet is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity for small business looking to expand and create jobs, and for communities hoping to provide families with access to better health care and better education. I was proud to fight for investments in broadband expansion that will take us closer toward our goal of bringing high-speed Internet to every corner of Washington state."
				"Delivering reliable broadband service represents an investment in our communities and our economy, improving access to crucial services in rural communities and extending educational, business and employment opportunities to Washingtonians who live in rural parts of the state," said Cantwell. "The $54 million grant awarded today to the Northwest Open Access Network will improve connectivity to community anchor institutions, such as schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities, as well as to six Native American tribes across the state. This project will lead to more affordable and accessible broadband service for up to 86,000 households and 14,000 businesses and connect as many as 285 anchor institutions across Washington."
				"This is great news for communities across Washington state," Gregoire said. "It's these types of investments that have real results for Washingtonians. Expanding our broadband access puts people to work immediately and creates jobs, educational opportunities, and improves community safety for the future."
				"As it extends high-speed Internet connections beyond the urban areas in our state, I am encouraged that this grant will create jobs and promote economic development on the Olympic Peninsula," said Dicks.
				"Washington state especially the city of Seattle has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the importance of broadband technology, and I think there is no better region that will better utilize this funding," McDermott said. "This project will not only improve connectivity for countless Washington state residents, but will equip our region's public safety entities and health care organizations with cutting edge technology. I'm pleased that the administration recognizes that improving broadband connectivity is a priority, and I want to thank them for recognizing that Washington state will put these funds to good use."
				"Expanding broadband access will create good jobs in our communities and help build a foundation for future economic growth by connecting homes, hospitals, colleges and businesses across northwest Washington," said Larsen. "It is critical that we help our local institutions thrive in a 21st century economy. Expanding broadband services to our rural communities will allow them to access information, create new educational opportunities and make the connections they need to grow and thrive in today's economy."
				President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so that the country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing approximately $4 billion of that funding for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far invested in 179 BTOP grants to benefit communities nationwide.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/19/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100819_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-08-20T02:19:34Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Secretary Locke Joins Representatives Inslee and Baird in Announcing a $54.5 Million Recovery Act Investment to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Expand Economic Growth in Washington State	http://www.commerce.gov/news/speech/2010/08/18/remarks-announcing-arra-broadband-internet-grants-seattle-washington	Other - Award Announcement Remarks	US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced a $54.5 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) State of Washington Broadband Consortium. The investment will bring high-speed internet access across 25 of Washington's 39 counties and connect the region to the rest of the state's digital economy.	AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY	18-Aug-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; Northwest Open Access Network; NoaNet; Seattle; Native American;
				Wednesday, August 18, 2010
				CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
				202-482-4883
				Secretary Locke Joins Representatives Inslee and Baird in Announcing a $54.5 Million Recovery Act Investment to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Expand Economic Growth in Washington State
				REMARKS
				Hello everyone.
				It is so great to be back home, and to see so many familiar faces here today.
				It's even better to know that the reason why I am here is to announce an investment that will significantly benefit people and businesses throughout Washington state.
				Before getting started, I'd like to thank Reps. Inslee and Baird, and Mayor McGinn for joining us this afternoon.
				Like me -- like everyone throughout the Obama administration -- these leaders have a singular focus right now: Putting people back to work and getting the American economy back to full strength.
				President Obama has often said that we are not in a real economic recovery until people can feel it in their own lives.
				And we are not there yet. Too many people in Washington and across America are still struggling to find work, and pay their bills.
				But we are moving in the right direction.
				It's important to remember that at the outset of 2009 when President Obama took office the U.S. economy was shrinking at a rate of 6.8 percent a free fall that risked turning a recession into a depression.
				But the American economy has now been growing for four straight quarters. And our economy has created private-sector jobs for six months in a row, after 22 months straight of job losses.
				I know these statistics are cold comfort to the many people in Washington still struggling to get a foothold in this economy. But you can't reverse the devastation of a national recession that saw eight million job losses overnight.
				We've got to keep chipping away at this unemployment challenge from every direction. And today, I am proud to help Washington State make another small but important step towards economic recovery.
				I'm here to announce a Recovery Act grant that will help significantly upgrade high-speed Internet service in 25 of Washington's 39 counties.
				This grant is one of 66 being announced today by the Commerce Department. We're funding $1.47 billion worth of projects in 29 states primarily to build out Internet infrastructure; but also to fund public computing centers and to promote high-speed Internet adoption in underserved communities.
				Nationwide, this funding is going to help: Build 25,000 miles of new broadband networks. Directly connect 8,000 community anchor institutions like libraries, public safety institutions and schools to high-speed Internet service; and It will bring new high speed Internet infrastructure to areas with a total of nearly 19 million households and 1.8 million businesses
				These investments meet the twin goals of the Recovery Act.
				One, they're going to put people to work in the near term, as Washington's citizens will find jobs digging trenches, laying fiber-optic cable, and stringing up utility poles to build out this new high-tech infrastructure.
				Two, these investments will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth in the medium to long-term, by connecting and upgrading areas of the state that for too long, have been without the full economic, educational and social benefits of high-speed Internet.
				Although you wouldn't know it from some critics, the Recovery Act has already delivered substantial benefits to America and Washington State, and has been responsible for at least 2.5 million jobs.
				The Recovery Act was carefully designed, with funds being given in roughly equal thirds to three big priorities: Tax relief for middle-class families; Critical infrastructure spending on things like roads, bridges, energy and rail lines; As well as critical relief to cash-strapped American families and state governments.
				And Washington state has seen plenty of assistance, with: 2.5 million Washington families receiving $600 million in tax relief; Displaced workers in Washington receiving $1.3 billion in extended and expanded unemployment insurance; and 294 transportation infrastructure projects underway valued at over $819 million.
				Under the Recovery Act, the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture were also given responsibility for administering nearly $7 billion in grants and loans to improve high-speed Internet access in underserved communities across America.
				Thanks to the work of the Northwest Open Access Network or NoaNet, some $139 million of that investment is coming right here.
				Earlier this year, NoaNet was awarded almost $85 million dollars in the first round of funding for this program, which will lay 830 miles of fiber-optic cable and directly connect 123 community anchor institutions in 18 counties across the state.
				Now, today, I am announcing an additional $54 plus million in second round funding NoaNet plans to use to:
				Lay another 511 miles of fiber-optic cable; Leverage some 2,300 miles of existing cable; and Directly connect 285 anchor institutions.
				This includes: 99 K-12 schools; Ten healthcare facilities; 43 libraries; and Five community colleges, as well as the Jefferson County extension of Washington State University.
				Specifically, this improved high-speed Internet network is going to: Support advanced telemedicine services at area hospitals; Boost bandwidth available at regional schools that currently suffer from network problems when too many users try to access the Internet at once; and Enable public safety entities to access JusticeNet, Washington state's integrated network supporting state judicial system institutions.
				And these grants promise to stimulate even more private sector and local investment.
				This grant like many we're giving throughout America -- is focused on expanding or upgrading what's called "Middle Mile" high-speed Internet capabilities in places where the private sector has been unwilling or unable to invest because the physical terrain was too difficult or there simply wasn't enough profit potential.
				Just as the federal government might provide funding to build a highway across the state, and then have local governments fund the construction of the local streets that branch off of it, most Commerce Department funding is helping to build or upgrade this middle mile Internet backbone that allows local Internet Service Providers to bring high-speed Internet directly to homes or businesses.
				In Washington state, seven providers have already expressed interest in building new connections off of these federally funded networks.
				In the months and years ahead, the infrastructure upgrades Commerce is funding with this NoaNet project will enable local governments, nonprofits and private companies in Washington to potentially bring high-speed Internet to over:
				86,000 households; and 14,000 businesses
				This is where the real economic opportunity lies for Washington. More high-speed Internet means more small businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs with better access to:
				National and international markets, Skilled employees; Training in best practices; and A broader array of vendors, suppliers and customers
				In short, this program is a textbook example of government investment done right. . .
				. . . Where government start-up funding catalyzes millions of dollars in additional private and local investment, while enabling countless Washingtonians:
				To start a business, grow a business or find new job opportunities; and To take courses from the best colleges located anywhere in the state, the country indeed anywhere in the world
				Aside from all the concrete benefits this investment will bring to the region, it also addresses a fundamental issue of equality and fairness.
				Having access to the Internet's economic, health, and educational benefits should be as much of an American right as attending a quality school or feeling safe when walking down the street. We do not always reach these goals, but we have to try.
				High speed Internet access is also an issue of America's economic competitiveness.
				Our best minds should be able to talk to one another, create and innovate regardless of where they come from. Over the long-term, enabling our people to create new products and new ways of doing business will help create sustainable economic growth in communities throughout Washington.
				This $54 million plus grant to NoaNet to expand high-speed Internet access will pay dividends for decades to come.
				And I want to congratulate everyone here who navigated a very competitive grants process to bring this important investment to the people of Washington.
				Thank you and congratulations.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/17/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100817_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-08-17T20:04:33Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW MEXICO	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_NM_CCI_REDI_NET_20100816.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications & Information Administration, a bureau of the Department of Commerce, announced a $10.6 million Recovery Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant to the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District. The project expects to deploy high-speed internet infrastructure across Rio Arriba, Los Alamos, and northern Santa Fe counties and to five Native American tribal communities. Plans are to directly connect more than 120 community anchor institutions to broadband service as well as promote energy efficiency by enabling "smart grid" applications for regional rural electric cooperatives.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	8/16/2010	Department of Commerce; DOC; BTOP; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; NTIA; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; New Mexico; North Central New Mexico Economic Development
				16-Aug-10
				News Media Contact: Moira Vahey at 202-482-0147
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced a $10.6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare in New Mexico.
				The grant to the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District will fund the deployment of high-speed Internet infrastructure across the counties of Rio Arriba, Los Alamos, and northern Santa Fe, and to five Native American tribal communities. The project plans to directly connect more than 120 community anchor institutions to broadband service including public safety facilities, K-12 schools, community colleges, government buildings, healthcare providers, and libraries which will support uses such as distance learning, telemedicine, and improved public safety communications. The project also intends to promote energy efficiency by enabling "smart grid" applications for regional rural electric cooperatives. In addition, local Internet service providers will be able to utilize the new infrastructure to deploy new or improved high-speed Internet service to consumers and businesses.
				"High-speed Internet access is increasingly important for communities to thrive in the 21st century economy," said Deputy NTIA Administrator Anna M. Gomez. "This Recovery Act investment will create jobs, support advances in education and healthcare, and help lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth."
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing approximately $4 billion of that funding for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far announced 114 BTOP grants to benefit communities nationwide.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/02/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100802_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-08-02T20:21:05Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN ILLINOIS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_Chicago_PCC_07302010.html	Press Release	The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant of nearly $9 million on July 30 to expand and upgrade public computer centers in locations throughout Chicago. The investment will allow the City to add or upgrade over 3,300 computer workstations at more than 150 locations including libraries, workforce centers, public housing sites, and all seven city colleges as well as expand hours of operation.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	30-Jul-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; ARRA; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; Illinois; Chicago
				July 30, 2010
				News Media Contact: Moira Vahey at 202-482-0147
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced a nearly $9 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment to help bridge the technological divide and increase economic opportunities in Illinois. The investment will expand and upgrade public computer centers in locations throughout Chicago and provide technology and job assistance training to residents, with a focus on at-risk youth, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and the unemployed.
				The investment will allow the City of Chicago to add or upgrade over 3,300 computer workstations at more than 150 locations, including city libraries, workforce centers, public housing sites, and all seven city colleges, as well as expand hours of operation. As a result, the centers will be able to accommodate an estimated 200,000 additional weekly users and train up to 20,000 residents over the two-year life of the project.
				"Technology skills and Internet access are increasingly necessary to finding a job, but many people don't have the resources to go online," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "This investment will expand computer and broadband access for Chicagoans most in need, helping to make them full participants in today's digital economy and creating new opportunities for success both on and offline."
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing $4.7 billion of that funding for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far announced 113 BTOP grants to benefit communities nationwide.
				Project Fact Sheet
				http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantees/CityofChicago2

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/20/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100720_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-07-20T18:07:54Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_CSD_07192010.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, announced a nearly $15 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Broadband Technology Opportunities Grant (BTOP) grant to Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc., (CSD) on July 19, 2010. This investment is intended to expand broadband adoption among people who are deaf and hard of heaving and to provide them tools to more fully participate in the digital economy.	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	19-Jul-10	U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BTOP, Communication Service for the Deaf, Recovery Act, ARRA
				Project to Improve Broadband Adoption by People with Disabilities
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
				July 19, 2010
				News Media Contact: Moira Vahey at 202-482-0147
				WASHINGTON - The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced a nearly $15 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, and improve communications for people with disabilities nationwide.
				The grant to Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc. (CSD) intends to expand broadband adoption among people who are deaf and hard of hearing and provide them with tools to more fully participate in the digital economy. CSD's Project Endeavor plans to employ a mix of discounted broadband service and specialized computers, technology training from an online state-of-the-art support center customized to the community's needs, public access to videophones at community anchor institutions across the country, and a nationwide outreach initiative.
				"Project Endeavor is a great example of how the Recovery Act broadband investments will improve economic opportunities and the quality of life for many Americans," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "It is also a reminder of the need to bridge the digital divide for people with disabilities, especially when broadband service and technologies can be that vital link to employment, education, and health care."
				CSD plans to add new staff, proficient in sign language, to its contact center in South Dakota and expects to train up to 200,000 people who are deaf and hard of hearing in the use of video, real-time text-based communications, and other specialized broadband technologies. The project also intends to facilitate improved access to enhanced 911 public safety services by those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing $4.7 billion of that funding for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far invested in 112 BTOP grants to benefit communities nationwide.
				Fact sheets with further information about all BTOP grants are available on the NTIA program web site here: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandUSA.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/12/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100712_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-07-12T17:16:08Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Secretary Locke, Senator Kerry, Governor Patrick and Representatives Olver and Neal Announce $45.4 Million Recovery Act Investment to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth in Massachusetts	http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2010/07/08/secretary-locke-senator-kerry-governor-patrick-and-represenatives-olv	Press Release	U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announced a $45.4 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act Broadband Technology Opportunities (BTOP) grant to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (Mass Broadband 123). This grant will bring high-speed internet access to western Massachusetts and connect the region to the rest of the state's digital economy. This grant had been announced by President Obama as part of the $794 million of new broadband projects that will expand broadband access and adoption across America.	Secretary Locke, Senator Kerry, Governor Patrick and Representatives Olver and Neal Announce $45.4 Million Recovery Act Investment to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth in Massachusetts	07/08/2010; 12:12 pm.	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; Deval Patrick; John Kerry; John Olver; Mass Broadband 123; Massachusetts; Richard E. Neal; Secretary Gary Locke; American Reinvestment and Recovery Act; Recovery Act
				Submitted on 07/08/2010 - 12:12pm
				U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, joined by Senator John Kerry, Governor Deval Patrick and Representatives John Olver and Richard Neal, today announced a $45.4 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare in Massachusetts.
				The grant to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (Mass Broadband 123) will bring high-speed Internet access to western Massachusetts and connect the region to the rest of the state's digital economy. Last week, President Barack Obama announced $794 million in new projects that will expand broadband access and adoption across America, including the grant to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute.
				"This critical investment will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth by connecting areas of Massachusetts that have been without the full economic, educational and social benefits of high-speed Internet," Locke said. "This $45.4 million grant to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute will pay dividends for decades by expanding high-speed Internet access to public safety facilities, schools, local and state government facilities, and dozens of healthcare providers."
				The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (Mass Broadband 123) plans to link almost 1,400 community anchor institutions through a new middle mile fiber network. By constructing over 1,300 miles of new fiber in areas such as the Pioneer Valley and mountainous Appalachian regions where connection costs are frequently two or three times as high as in the eastern part of the state, this project intends to provide 1.5 Mbps-10 Gbps high speed service to public safety entities, K-12 schools and community colleges, local and state government facilities, and dozens of healthcare providers in economically distressed areas across western Massachusetts.
				"This wasn't easy and it didn't happen overnight. I remember sitting with our state legislators and business leaders in 1998 talking about how to wire western Massachusetts for the future. Some people said it was a pipe dream, and now we've proven them dead wrong. We've been fighting a long time to make this day a reality for western Massachusetts and I couldn't be happier. This is history-making. Broadband service is essential to the region's economic future. Our businesses and our kids will feel the legacy of this network for decades to come. Secretary Locke, Governor Patrick, Congressman Olver, Congressman Neal and our state leaders were great partners every step of the way and I was proud to champion this effort in Washington. Now, after so many letters and a public plea in the Small Business Committee, this is one huge victory for western Massachusetts. Together with the Open Cape grant we won last year, we can safely say that Massachusetts will have blanket broadband coverage within the next few years, and I couldn't be happier," said Senator Kerry.
				"We have been working and hoping for this for a long time," said Governor Deval Patrick. "I am thankful beyond measure to Secretary Locke, the entire Obama Administration and our Congressional delegation for helping us to expand economic, academic, health and cultural opportunities for the people of Western and North-Central Massachusetts."
				"Since the national downtrend in manufacturing, my District has developed a large percentage of small and home businesses. These businesses are currently dependent on dial-up, severely limiting their ability to compete. Now these companies will no longer need to bring their laptops to library parking lots or spend countless hours downloading data on dial-up to run their businesses," said Congressman John Olver.
				"The $45 million federal award announced today, combined with $26 million in state matching funds, will bring affordable high speed internet access to more than one million people, businesses and community organizations throughout western Massachusetts. The combined $71 million investment will create jobs and strengthen our local economy. With this broadband technology expansion, the people and institutions in 123 communities will be active partners in the 21st century digital economy, and finally bridge the digital divide. I thank Secretary Locke for visiting the region today for such a significant and important announcement," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing $4.7 billion of that funding for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement is part of the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. NTIA will make all BTOP awards by September 30, 2010, and has thus far invested in 111 BTOP grants to benefit communities nationwide.
				Fact sheets with further information about all BTOP grants are available on the NTIA program web site here: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandUSA

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/08/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100708_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-07-09T17:44:51Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/07022010BTOP_Round2.html	Press Release	Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke announced 29 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grants totaling more than $404 million. These 29 projects are the first of the second round of BTOP awards; second round award announcements will continue on a rolling basis.	SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	2-Jul-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; Recovery Act; ARRA;
				News Media Contact:
				Shannon Gilson, (202) 482-4883, sgilson@doc.gov
				WASHINGTON U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced 29 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare across the country. The investments, totaling more than $404 million in grants, will fund projects that lay the groundwork to bring enhanced high-speed Internet access to millions of households and businesses and link thousands of schools, hospitals, libraries, and public safety offices to the information superhighway.
				"In a globalized 21st century economy, when you don't have regular access to high-speed Internet, you don't have access to all the educational, business and employment opportunities it provides," Locke said. "These critical Recovery Act investments will create jobs and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable economic growth in communities across America."
				The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement begins the second round of BTOP grant awards, which will continue on a rolling basis. In the first round, NTIA awarded 82 BTOP grants worth $1.2 billion that will expand broadband access and adoption through projects that will affect 45 states and territories. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.
				"We are investing in projects that will have a real, lasting impact on communities across the country. In particular, investing in middle mile' networks that bring high-speed Internet access to communities and connect key anchor institutions, such as schools, libraries, community colleges and hospitals, to the Internet allows us to get the most bang for every infrastructure grant dollar." Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "The level of interest in this program has been extraordinary, and is yet another indicator of the critical role broadband plays in achieving durable, sustainable economic growth."
				The following grants were announced today:
				Comprehensive Community Infrastructure awards:
				District of Columbia: Government of the District of Columbia, $17.5 million grant with an additional $7.5 million applicant-provided match to deploy a high-speed network to spur improved broadband service for residents and businesses, and provide direct Internet connections for approximately 190 community anchor institutions located predominantly in the city's economically distressed areas.
				Iowa: Iowa Communications Network, $16.2 million grant with an additional $7.6 million applicant-provided match to upgrade an existing 3,000-mile network to provide 10 Gbps-capable points of presence in each county in the state, while upgrading direct high-speed connections for more than 2,000 community anchor institutions.
				Iowa: Iowa Health System, $17.7 million grant with an additional $9.9 million applicant-provided match to upgrade and enhance the health system's existing fiber network that provides connections to over 200 healthcare facilities, as well as facilitate more access to broadband service for residents and businesses statewide.
				Massachusetts: Massachusetts Technology Park, $45.4 million grant with an additional $26.2 applicant-provided match to bring affordable, high-speed Internet access to residents and businesses in western Massachusetts by constructing over 1,300 miles of new fiber and connecting approximately 1,400 community anchor institutions.
				Minnesota: Zayo Bandwidth, $13.4 million grant with an additional $5.7 million applicant-provided match to fund almost 300 miles of new fiber network to connect 145 community anchor institutions, and make high-speed broadband services available to local Internet service providers in economically distressed counties north of the Twin Cities metro area.
				Mississippi: Contact Network, Inc., $20.7 million grant with an additional $5.2 million applicant-provided match to deploy more than 600 miles of fiber optic middle mile broadband infrastructure in underserved areas of 16 counties in southern and central Mississippi, providing improved connections for 200 schools, hospitals, public safety facilities and other community anchor institutions in the region.
				New Hampshire: University System of New Hampshire, $44.5 million grant with an additional $21.4 million applicant-provided match to fund a collaboration between state and local governments, non-profits, and private entities to bring next-generation broadband services to more than 200 community anchor institutions in all ten counties of the Granite State. The project also intends to upgrade the state's existing microwave public safety networks.
				Ohio: ComNet, Inc., $30 million grant with an additional $12.9 million applicant-provided match to construct almost 700 new miles of high-capacity fiber to expand an existing network throughout 28 western Ohio counties, providing direct connections to approximately 880 schools, government offices, public safety facilities, health care facilities, libraries and public housing facilities.
				Oregon: Bend Cable Communications, LLC, $4.4 million grant with an additional $1.9 million applicant-provided match to construct more than 130 miles of new fiber in areas of central Oregon that lack adequate broadband connectivity, connecting four local municipalities as well as approximately 20 key health, educational, public safety, and business development entities.
				Oregon: County of Clackamas, $7.8 million grant with an additional $3.3 million applicant-provided match to bring affordable high-speed Internet service to 150 community anchor institutions and facilitate improved broadband service for local consumers and businesses across this northwestern Oregon county.
				Texas: Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc., $15.7 million grant with an additional $6.7 applicant-provided match to build more than 150 miles of new fiber network in a region of south Texas with chronically high unemployment and a large percentage of minority populations. The project will partner with the University of Texas at Brownsville, UT Pan American, UT Health Service Center, South Texas College, and Texas State Technical College to improve broadband service to each campus, while connecting 30 additional community anchor institutions and enabling more affordable broadband access for local consumers and businesses.
				Vermont: Vermont Telecommunications Authority, $33.4 million grant with an additional $14.8 million applicant-provided match to build a 790-mile fiber network across this small, rural state with rugged terrain. The project plans to provide direct high-speed connections to as many as 300 anchor institutions statewide, including community colleges and public safety entities, while enabling more affordable broadband access for local consumers and businesses.
				Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York: Vermont Telephone Company, $12.3 million grant with an additional $5.3 million applicant-provided match to enhance the existing middle mile broadband infrastructure to address a bandwidth and transport capacity shortages and upgrade direct connections to close to 200 community anchor institutions.
				Virginia: Bristol Virginia Utilities Board, $22.7 million grant with an additional $13.5 million applicant-provided match to build an almost 400-mile fiber network that intends to bring high-speed broadband middle mile service to rural, economically distressed areas in southwestern Virginia.
				Wyoming: Silver Star Telephone Company, $5.6 million grant with an additional $1.6 million applicant-provided match to close a 90-mile gap in the company's existing statewide fiber optic network, bringing comprehensive broadband services to 11 counties and providing direct connections for approximately 15 community anchor institutions in western Wyoming.
				Wyoming and Idaho: Silver Star Telephone Company, $5 million grant with an additional $1.3 applicant-provided match close a 38-mile gap in its existing 159-mile fiber optic network in northwest Wyoming and southeast Idaho, bringing comprehensive broadband services to five counties in the region and direction connections for a dozen community anchor institutions, including Brigham Young University's Idaho campus and Teton National Park service.
				All States and the District of Columbia: University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development, $62.5 million grant with an additional $34.3 million applicant-provided match to interconnect more than 30 existing research and educational networks, creating a nation-wide high-capacity network that will enable advanced networking features for more than 100,000 essential community anchor institutions.
				Public Computer Center awards:
				Arizona: Arizona Office of Economic Recovery, $1.6 million grant with an additional $706,000 applicant-provided match to expand computer centers at 28 state and tribal libraries and to provide specialized virtual workforce workstations at 200 locations throughout the state.
				District of Columbia: Government of the District of Columbia, $1.6 million grant with an additional $667,000 applicant-provided match to upgrade connection speeds, provide training, and deploy more than 1,000 new computer workstations at 24 public libraries, two recreation centers, three public schools, and one community college library.
				Maine: Maine State Library, $1.4 million grant with an additional $589,000 applicant-provided match to upgrade public computer centers at more than 100 public libraries statewide. The project will increase the number of available broadband workstations by as much as 60 percent and improve training and employment-related services offered by libraries.
				Minnesota: Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee, $1.7 million grant with an additional $790,000 applicant-provided match to create seven new public computer centers and upgrading ten existing facilities on three Indian reservations in Minnesota. The centers will be located at Boys and Girls Clubs within tribally operated community centers, providing public access to all residents.
				Montana: Montana State Library, $1.8 million grant with an additional $867,000 applicant-provided match to provide more broadband computer access at faster speeds at 42 local libraries in 29 counties across the state within reach of 86 percent of Montana's population.
				Nevada: Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs, $806,000 grant with an additional $305,000 applicant-provided match to install more than 250 new workstations and expand the training and educational capacity at more than 30 libraries and other hubs for free computer access in 15 counties throughout the state.
				New Jersey: Thomas Edison State College, $5.1 million grant with an additional $2.4 million applicant-provided match to add computer workstations and/or upgrade connectivity at approximately 125 libraries, as well as provide job search assistance and workforce development programs at 365 libraries across the state.
				Oklahoma: Oklahoma City University, $1.4 million grant with an additional $747,000 applicant-provided match to expand broadband computer access options for the economically vulnerable community in which the university is located. The project will open two computer centers with almost 90 workstations to the general public and deploy a "mobile PCC" van with 20 laptops to serve the community at large.
				Oklahoma: Oklahoma Department of Libraries, $2.3 million grant with an additional $1 million applicant-provided match to upgrade public computer centers at 45 libraries in 44 counties across the state to better equip them to meet local community needs.
				Oregon: County of Crook, $3.9 million grant with an additional $1.8 million applicant-provided match to build a new, 65-workstation computer learning center in Prineville, the county seat, which will provide education, training, and broadband access to the county's 25,000 citizens. The project also plans to deploy a mobile lab with satellite connectivity to provide instruction and training to remote areas of the county.
				Pennsylvania: City of Philadelphia, $6.4 million grant with an additional $3.3 million applicant-provided match to create or enhance more than 75 public computer centers located in North, West, and South Philadelphia, with the goal of providing access for thousands more residents on a weekly basis.
				Tennessee: Tennessee State Library & Archives, $557,000 grant with an additional $239,000 applicant-provided match to expand 29 public computer centers as part of its Bridging the Gap project, which will leverage the support of local community organizations to provide training and drive participation among patrons in the community.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA is utilizing $4.7 billion of that funding for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 06/24/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100624_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-06-25T13:47:38Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NIST Fellow Applications Now Being Accepted	http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/grants_021910.cfm	Press Release	The University of Maryland and University of Colorado are accepting applications for the National Institute of Standards and Technology's measurement science and engineering fellowships for graduate, post-doctoral and senior researchers. NIST awarded $19.5 million of Recovery Act funding to the two universities to implement and administer the fellowship programs.	NIST Fellow Applications Now Being Accepted	23-Jun-10	U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST, American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, ARRA, NIST Fellowships, University of Maryland, University of Colorado
				For Immediate Release: June 23, 2010
				Contact: Mark Bello
				301-975-3776
				Applications for National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) measurement science and engineering fellowships for graduate, post-doctoral and senior researchers are now being accepted by the University of Maryland and the University of Colorado, which are administering the programs.
				In February, 2010, NIST awarded a total of $19.5 million to the two institutions to implement and administer the fellowship programs, which were funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
				The University of Maryland-administered portion of the program will place successful applicants in positions at either NIST's campus at Gaithersburg, Md., or the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) in Charleston, S.C., which is a unique partnership involving NIST, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other of governmental and academic agencies.
				Fellows selected by the University of Colorado will be placed at NIST's Boulder, Colo., laboratories.
				The fellowship program will continue in 2011 and 2012 and will include undergraduates. Fellowship positions are available for highly-qualified U.S. citizens and non-citizens from academic, industrial and other organizations. For information on the University of Maryland-administered portion of the program, go to: http://www.nistfellows.umd.edu/ For information on the fellowship managed by the University of Colorado, go to: http://www.colorado.edu/nistfellows/

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 06/02/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100602_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-06-02T19:54:28Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NTIA TO ACCEPT UPDATED GRANT APPLICATIONS FROM STATES FOR BROADBAND IMPROVEMENT AND MAPPING ACTIVITIES	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/SBDDNewWindow_05282010.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced on May 28 that state governments and other existing awardees in its State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program may seek funding for various initiatives to help their communities compete in the digital economy and for up to three additional years of broadband mapping work. The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program was launched in 2009 and implements the joint purposes of the Recovery Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act with a focus on assisting states in gathering data on the availability, speed, and location of broadband services. The data compiled and displayed will also be used to create a the comprehensive, interactive national broadband map.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 2010 CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 press@ntia.doc.gov	28-May-10	Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program; broadband; Recovery Act; Broadbant Data Improvement Act;
				Awardees in NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Program Have Opportunity to Expand Efforts to Increase Broadband Access and Adoption
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that state governments and other existing awardees in its State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program may seek funding for various initiatives to help their communities compete in the digital economy and for up to three additional years of broadband mapping work.
				"As Congress recognized, many communities are being left behind in the 21st Century economy and need improved broadband access and adoption to compete," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "Given the growing economic importance of broadband services, better data and strategic planning are needed on the state level. This will help us increase broadband availability and use across the country, which is critical to our global competiveness."
				Launched in 2009, NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). One of the primary purposes of the grant program is to assist states in gathering data on the availability, speed, and location of broadband services. The data they compile and display will also be used to create the comprehensive, interactive national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to produce and make publicly available by February 17, 2011. The map, which NTIA plans to update every six months, will assist consumers with better information on the broadband services available to them and inform policymakers' efforts to increase broadband availability nationwide.
				To be fiscally prudent, NTIA originally funded state data collection efforts for a two-year period, allowing the agency to assess initial state activities before awarding funding for the remainder of this five-year initiative. With the program well underway, states (or their designees) can now apply for funding under the existing program rules for three additional years of mapping and data collection work.
				Of significance, states may also seek funding for other activities that support BDIA's goals, including state broadband task forces or advisory boards, technical assistance programs, local or regional technology planning efforts, and programs to promote increased computer ownership and Internet usage.
				"Congress gave NTIA the resources to support broadband improvement efforts in the states. We are committed to investing these resources prudently and effectively," Strickling said. "Now that NTIA has seen initial state data collection efforts, we are prepared to accept and evaluate proposals for additional funding."
				The Recovery Act provided up to $350 million for implementation of the BDIA and to develop and maintain a broadband inventory map. All 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia (or their designated entities) are eligible for funding through NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program to support these goals. NTIA has thus far awarded more than $100 million in grants to 54 of the 56 eligible entities to carry out the first two years of broadband data collection and mapping efforts, and for broadband planning activities. NTIA is directly informing the eligible entities that they may submit amended and supplemental applications until July 1, 2010 for additional broadband improvement and mapping activities.
				NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy. For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 05/14/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100514_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-05-18T12:36:53Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NTIA TO ACCEPT ADDITIONAL PROPOSALS FOR BROADBAND PROJECTS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_ApplicationReopening_05132010.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it will fund opportunities to state and local governments for public safety projects. This opportunity supports the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) goal of improving public safety communications and initiating the groundwork for a nationwide public safety broadband network.	NTIA TO ACCEPT ADDITIONAL PROPOSALS FOR BROADBAND PROJECTS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS	13-May-10	National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), public safety broadband network, public safety, FCC, broadband.
				Agency Announces Limited Reopening of BTOP Application Window for State and Local Governments Recently Granted FCC Authority to Deploy Public Safety Broadband Systems
				For Immediate Release CONTACT: Jessica Schafer 202-482-5670
				May 13, 2010 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it will provide an opportunity for certain state and local governments to apply for broadband stimulus funding to support public safety projects. The potential applicants are the state and local governmental entities that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently permitted to deploy public safety broadband systems using the 700 MHz public safety broadband spectrum. NTIA's decision supports the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's goal of improving public safety communications and provides that community with the opportunity to obtain funding for an initial set of networks that will help lay the groundwork for a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network.
				"The FCC has just cleared the way for a number of state and local governments to deploy new public safety broadband systems," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "Given the administration's commitment to improving the communications networks of our fire, police and rescue personnel, NTIA is offering these governments the opportunity to apply for broadband stimulus funding to help build their networks. We hope to receive strong proposals that merit investment in order to advance the deployment of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network that makes America safer."
				Applications in the second round of NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, were due in late March 2010. On May 11, 2010, the FCC adopted an Order granting conditional waiver authority to various state and local governments to use 700 MHz spectrum to deploy public safety broadband systems on a local or regional basis. These governments may have previously been discouraged from filing BTOP applications because they did not have the legal authority to use the spectrum. As a result of this significant development, and given the national priority of improving public safety communications, NTIA will accept applications for infrastructure projects from the affected parties from June 1, 2010 to July 1, 2010. The agency will publish an official notice and further details in the Federal Register.
				The Recovery Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/27/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100427_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-04-27T17:32:02Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/042610_BTOP_finalRound1.html	Press Release	On April 26, 2010, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced nine National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (Recovery Act) grants totaling more than $114 million. These grants will increase broadband access and adoption in more than a dozen states and will fund projects that lay the groundwork to bring enhanced high-speed Internet access to thousands of households and businesses and link hundreds of schools, hospitals, libraries, and public safety offices to the information superhighway. This April 26 announcement marks the final grant awards from the first round of BTOP applications. During the first found, NTIA awarded 82 BTOP grants worth $1.2 billion in 45 states and territories.	SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH Announcement Completes Round One of Commerce Department Recovery Act Broadband Funding FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 26, 2010 News Media Contact: Shannon Gilson, (202) 482-4883, sgilson@doc.gov	26-Apr-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP); American Reinvestment and Recovery Act; ARRA; Recovery Act; One Economy Corporation; Digital Bridge Communications; Idaho; Williamstown, Kentucky; Pine Telephone Company; Oklahoma, Critical Hub Networks, Inc.; Puerto Rico; Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative; Virginia; Public Utility District of Pend Oreille County; Washington; Alabama; Arkansas; California; Connecticut; District of Columbia; Florida; Georgia; Illinois; Indiana; Massachusetts; Maryland; Michigan; Minnesota; Missouri; Nevada; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; Ohio; Oregon; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Virginia; Wisconsin
				WASHINGTON U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced nine American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare across the country. The investments, totaling more than $114 million in grants, will increase broadband access and adoption in more than a dozen states. The grants will fund projects that lay the groundwork to bring enhanced high-speed Internet access to thousands of households and businesses and link hundreds of schools, hospitals, libraries, and public safety offices to the information superhighway.
				"In a globalized 21st century economy, when you don't have regular access to high-speed Internet, you don't have access to all the educational, business and employment opportunities it provides," Locke said. "These critical Recovery Act investments will create jobs and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable economic growth in communities across America."
				The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Today's announcement marks the final grant awards from the first round of BTOP applications. All told, NTIA awarded 82 BTOP grants worth $1.2 billion that will expand broadband access and adoption through projects in a majority of states and territories. A total of 45 states and territories will be affected by this round of BTOP grants. NTIA recently began reviewing second round applications with the goal of making the first round two grant announcements this summer.
				"The level of interest in this program has been extraordinary, and is yet another indicator of the critical role broadband plays in achieving durable, sustainable economic growth," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "I am proud of the grants we have awarded in the first round of funding. These are projects that will have a real, lasting impact on communities across the country."
				The following grants were announced today:
				Multiple states: One Economy Corporation: $28.5 million sustainable broadband adoption grant with an additional $23 million applicant-provided match to implement a comprehensive program of computer training, wireless Internet access, broadband awareness marketing, and online content and applications to residents of 159 affordable and public housing developments and low-income communities in 50 cities and towns across 31 states and the District of Columbia. States impacted by this grant are: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
				Idaho: Digital Bridge Communications: $1.9 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $466,000 applicant-provided match to bring affordable wireless broadband service to rural, underserved communities in Cassia County, Idaho, including the towns of Albion, Burley, Declo, Malta, and Oakley. The project would expand Digital Bridge Communications' existing network by adding five towers, 46 miles of new fiber, and a nine-mile microwave link. The project also proposes to offer speeds of up to 3 Mbps using both fixed and mobile wireless technology, as well as directly connect approximately 25 community anchor institutions at no charge.
				Idaho: Digital Bridge Communications: $980,000 broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $246,000 applicant-provided match to bring affordable wireless broadband service to rural, underserved communities in Jerome County, Idaho, including the towns of Barrymore, Falls City, Greenwood, Haytown, Hunt, Hydra, Jerome, McHenry, and Sugar Loaf. The project would expand Digital Bridge Communications' existing network by adding three towers, 15 miles of new fiber, and two microwave links. The expanded network intends to offer speeds up to 3 Mbps using both fixed and mobile wireless technology, as well as directly connect approximately 25 community anchor institutions at no charge.
				Idaho: Digital Bridge Communications: $1.4 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $340,000 applicant-provided match to bring affordable wireless broadband service to underserved communities in Twin Falls County, Idaho, including the towns of Buhl, Burger, Clover, Deep Creek, Fairview, Filer, Godwin, and Hansen. The project would expand Digital Bridge Communications' existing network by adding eight towers, three miles of new fiber, and nine microwave links. This expanded network intends to offer speeds up to 3 Mbps using both fixed and mobile wireless technology, as well as directly connect approximately 25 community anchor institutions at no charge.
				Kentucky: City of Williamstown, Kentucky: $535,000 broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $134,000 applicant-provided match to deploy a high-speed fiber-to-the-home broadband network to unserved and underserved communities south of its existing network in Corinth, and north of its existing network to areas of Grant and Owen counties in northern Kentucky. The project intends to offer broadband speeds up to 10 Mbps and directly connect the three municipal organizations within the service area Corinth City Hall, the Corinth Water District, and the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department free of charge. In addition, the project expects to offer broadband Internet access for local consumers, including approximately 680 households and 20 businesses, and spur economic growth and job creation in the region.
				Oklahoma: Pine Telephone Company, Inc.: $9.5 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $2.4 million applicant-provided match to deliver affordable wireless broadband service to underserved areas of Southeastern Oklahoma, including the Tribal lands of the Choctaw Nation and its 10 counties. The project intends to directly connect 20 community anchor institutions, including Choctaw Nation agencies, public schools, public safety agencies, fire and police departments, and a health clinic. The project's last mile network plans to offer broadband speeds ranging from 1 Mbps to 3 Mbps to as many as 7,000 households and 75 businesses.
				Puerto Rico: Critical Hub Networks, Inc.: $25.8 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $6.7 million applicant-provided match to provide fast, affordable broadband connectivity for last-mile Internet service providers and underserved areas of Puerto Rico, including of the islands of Culebra and Vieques. The project plans to purchase a 10 Gbps undersea fiber-optic cable directly connecting to Miami and deploy more than 180 miles of terrestrial middle-mile microwave network using 11 towers. The network will offer speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps to anchor institutions, including more than 1,500 K-12 schools, and local Internet service providers.
				Virginia: Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative: $19 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $5 million applicant-provided match to bring high-speed affordable broadband services to 15 underserved counties and the cities of Emporia and Franklin in South Central Virginia by expanding and enhancing its existing high-speed broadband and voice communications wireless network. The BIT Wireless project intends to offer wireless broadband at speeds of up to 10 Mbps to as many as 100,000 households, 14,800 businesses, and 800 community anchor institutions. In addition, the project will promote broadband adoption by discounting the cost of the equipment necessary to subscribe at home.
				Washington: Public Utility District of Pend Oreille County: $27.2 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $6.8 million applicant-provided match to bring high-speed, affordable broadband to underserved areas of Pend Oreille County in northeastern Washington State, which borders Idaho and Canada. The proposed fiber-to-the-premises network would deploy approximately 526 miles of fiber-optic cable to deliver last-mile broadband Internet services and facilitate critical network redundancy in this rural area. The project plans to offer affordable, high-speed broadband access to as many as 3,200 households, 360 businesses, and 24 community anchor institutions.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion of that funding for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/23/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100423_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-04-26T12:47:16Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Celebrates Earth Day at Recovery Act Restoration Project in New Jersey	http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/TopNews/index.htm and http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/SecretarySpeeches/PROD01_009165	Press Release and Event	U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke celebrated Earth Day at Jersey City, New Jersey, where $10.6 million of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (Recovery Act) funding was awarded to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the Lincoln Park Wetlands Restoration Project. When complete, the project will have restored 35 acres of wetlands, created tidal creeks and made a juvenile fish foraging habitat along the Hackensack River. The Recovery Act project will also create just under a mile of trail and a new pedestrian bridge over the creek for bicyclists, joggers and walkers. The trail will become part of the Liberty to Water Gap Trail, a 130-mile trail that links historic and natural sites from the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor to the Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Thursday, April 22, 2010 202-482-4883	22-Apr-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; Gary Locke; American Reinvestment and Recovery Act; Recovery Act; ARRA; Earth Day; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NOAA; Lincoln Park Wetlands Restoration; wetlands restoration; New Jersey; Jersey City
				Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Celebrates Earth Day at Recovery Act Restoration Project in New Jersey
				Jersey City's Lincoln Park Project is Putting People Back to Work Transforming Local Dump to Healthy Wetland
				JERSEY CITY, N.J. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today celebrated Earth Day at an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) restoration project that is putting people back to work transforming a local dump into 35 acres of wetland and creating a new public trail in Lincoln Park.
				"The jobs that are being created here in New Jersey are a critical and growing part of the green economy," Locke said. "Not only are coastal restoration projects like this one directly employing people, they are preserving the coastlines that are absolutely essential to America's economy."
				The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provided $10.6 million in Recovery Act funding to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to remove sediment, trash and other landfill from a damaged wetland that was used as a dump, as well as construct contours that allow tidal creeks to return saltwater. The project is supporting jobs for construction workers, engineers, landscapers, masons, graphic designers and custom sign makers.
				When completed, the Lincoln Park Wetlands Restoration Project will have restored 35 acres of wetlands, created tidal creeks and made a juvenile fish foraging habitat along the Hackensack River. The Recovery Act project will also create just under a mile of trail and a new pedestrian bridge over the creek for bicyclists, joggers and walkers. The trail will become part of the Liberty to Water Gap Trail, a 130-mile trail that links historic and natural sites from the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor to the Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania.
				The Lincoln Park Wetland Restoration project is one of 50 coastal and Great Lakes habitat restoration projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Last June, Locke and NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco announced $167 million in NOAA Recovery Act funding to high-quality, high-priority coastal restoration projects around the country.
				Less than a year later, more than 30 projects have broken ground along the coasts, with the remaining preparing to start in the next year.
				When all the planned projects are complete, 8,900 acres of habitat will be restored, and fish will gain access to 700 stream miles that had been blocked by obsolete and unsafe dams. The projects also will remove more than 850 metric tons of abandoned fishing gear and other marine trash, rebuild oyster and other shellfish habitat, and reduce threats to 11,750 acres of coral reefs.
				Coastal areas generate more than 28 million jobs in the United States. Commercial and recreational fishing employs 1.5 million people and contributes $111 billion to the nation's economy.
				The Department of Commerce's NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit us at http://www.noaa.gov.
				REMARKS
				AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY Wednesday, April 22, 2010 CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 202-482-4883
				Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke Remarks at Lincoln Park Earth Day Event Lincoln Park, New Jersey
				Good morning everybody. It is terrific to be in here in Lincoln Park.
				Today is of course Earth Day. Forty years ago, people just like all of us here gathered in cities and towns all across America to call for a cleaner world.
				They demanded that people and businesses do things differently. And while they started a global movement, they also worked to make changes one park, one river, and one shoreline at a time.
				Forty years after the first Earth Day, we've gathered here to honor the people who have made the Lincoln Park Wetlands Restoration Project a reality.
				This project is of course about conservation and preserving America's environment. But it also gives us a glimpse into our possible economic future as well.
				This past summer President Obama noted that there is a lot of misinformation out there that there's somehow a contradiction between a clean economy and economic growth.
				There is no contradiction, and this wetlands project proves this very point.
				From his first day in office, President Obama has linked our economic recovery with a clean energy and more sustainable use of our resources.
				One of his first acts in office was to sign a Recovery Act that included $80 billion in clean energy investments that will help double America's renewable energy-generating capacity in three years, while creating thousands of good jobs.
				This Recovery Act funding also included $167 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA, to award grants for coastal restoration.
				Out of more than 800 applications, NOAA chose the fifty most promising projects from across the country that held the most potential to immediately impact the environment and help our economy.
				Nationwide, this money will go towards: Restoring more than 8,900 acres of habitat; Removing obsolete and unsafe dams around 700 stream miles so fish can better migrate and spawn; and Creating the equivalent of more than 250 full-time jobs, and potentially 1,000 full-time jobs once all 50 projects are complete.
				Restoring more than 8,900 acres of habitat; Removing obsolete and unsafe dams around 700 stream miles so fish can better migrate and spawn; and Creating the equivalent of more than 250 full-time jobs, and potentially 1,000 full-time jobs once all 50 projects are complete.
				And that's why we're here today in Lincoln Park. This wetlands restoration project holds tremendous potential.
				It's why Lincoln Park received $10.6 million, which is NOAA's largest Recovery Act grant. These funds will be coupled with about $3.6 million in other money from a handful of state, local and federal agencies. And together, this funding will enable an ecological oasis to be created right outside New York City. When it's done, the Lincoln Park Wetlands Restoration Project will have restored 35 acres of wetlands, created tidal creeks and made a juvenile fish foraging habitat along the Hackensack River. It will benefit a wide variety of fish and wildlife. And it will also benefit people right here in New Jersey.
				This project will have created 40 full-time jobs for workers who had previously been unemployed. These jobs are certainly good for people today. But they also are important for preserving the coastlines that are absolutely essential to America's economy. Consider that commercial and recreational fishing alone employ about 2 million people and contribute $185 billion to the nation's economy.
				These staggering economic numbers make it all the more important that America turns the idea behind Earth Day into a 365-day-a-year under undertaking. On the first Earth Day 40 years ago, we didn't fully understand the connection between our economic and environmental health. We didn't see the potential for millions of new jobs in building a clean energy economy. Now we know these things and it makes it all the more important that we work to preserve this world we live in.
				And for those who have taken action, we need to recognize the tremendous work they have done for their community and their country. There were quite a few people who are responsible for the Lincoln Park Wetlands Restoration Project. I'd like to thank our local partners who are making this project a success, including the: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Hudson County Division of Parks; and the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation. And I'd also like to take a moment to recognize David Bean, the lead project manager for Lincoln Park at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Without his tireless efforts, we would not be here celebrating this project today.
				The NOAA Restoration Center has established an award called "Excellence in Restoration," which publicly recognizes partners who have achieved a level of excellence in their restoration efforts. And David clearly fits the bill. So I'd like to ask David to come up and accept the award for this project. Congratulations, David, and thank you again for all your hard work and dedication. And, I thank you all for joining me today to celebrate Earth Day and the restoration of the Lincoln Park and its wetlands.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/21/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100421_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-04-21T18:54:55Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Awards $73.6 Million Recovery Act Contract for New Fisheries Survey Vessel	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100420_fsv.html	Press Release	On April 20, 2010, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $73.6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract for construction of a new fisheries survey vessel to Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, Wisconsin. This vessel will be the fifth in a series of state-of-the-art Oscar Dyson-class ships built for the agency and will greatly enhance NOAA's understanding of ocean resources and play a vital role in supporting its mission. On April 20, 2010, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $73.6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract for construction of a new fisheries survey vessel to Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, Wisconsin. This vessel will be the fifth in a series of state-of-the-art Oscar Dyson-class ships built for the agency and will greatly enhance NOAA's understanding of ocean resources and play a vital role in supporting its mission.	NOAA Awards $73.6 Million Recovery Act	20-Apr-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NOAA; Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; ARRA; Recovery Act; fisheries survey vessel; Marinette Marine Corporation; Wisconsin;
				Contract for New Fisheries Survey Vessel
				20-Apr-10
				NOAA awarded a $73.6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract to Marinette Marine Corporation located in Marinette, Wis., for the construction of a new fisheries survey vessel, which will dramatically improve NOAA's ability to conduct surveys for fish, marine mammals and turtles off the U.S. West Coast and in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
				The vessel will be the fifth in a series of state-of-the-art Oscar Dyson-class ships built for the agency.
				"Our fisheries and marine ecosystems are critical to our nation's economy," said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "Thanks to the Recovery Act, this new vessel will greatly enhance our understanding of our ocean resources and play a vital role in supporting NOAA's mission."
				The ship will be equipped with a full suite of modern instrumentation for fisheries and oceanographic research, including advanced navigation systems, acoustic sensors, scientific sampling gear and extensive laboratories.
				The high-tech ship will also produce much less noise than other survey vessels, allowing scientists to study fish populations and collect oceanographic data with fewer effects on fish and marine mammal behavior.
				The ship will be operated by NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and will primarily support NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center. This competitive procurement is the continuation of NOAA's effort to revitalize its fleet of research vessels.
				NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit us at http://www.noaa.gov or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/19/2010 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100419_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-04-19T17:37:31Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ARKANSAS, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA, AND TEXAS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_ARKSOKTX_04162010.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, announced on April 16, 2010, an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (Recovery Act) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) $26.8 million grant to Allegiance Communications. The Allegiance Communications project plans to deploy broadband technology to an estimated 12,700 households and 230 businesses in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas as well as upgrade communications for public safety organizations to improve storm warning systems and first responder efforts.	COMMERCE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ARKANSAS, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA, AND TEXAS	16-Apr-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; American Investment and Recovery Act; ARRA; Recovery Act; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; BTOP; Arkansas; Kansas; Oklahoma; Texas
				For Immediate Release CONTACT: Jessica Schafer 202-482-5670
				April 16, 2010 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and public safety in portions of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The $28.6 million grant will increase broadband access and adoption by funding the build-out and deployment of more than 680 miles of a new fiber-optic network in 35 communities. The project intends to directly connect more than 70 community anchor institutions to the broadband network, including city halls, police stations, fire stations, libraries, schools, and a hospital.
				With this grant, Allegiance Communications plans to deploy broadband technology to an estimated 12,700 households and 230 businesses in the four-state region. It will be the first time wireline broadband service faster than dial-up is offered in most of the affected communities. Allegiance also plans to upgrade communications for public safety organizations to improve storm warning systems and first responder efforts.
				NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				"Broadband plays a critical role in helping communities achieve durable, sustainable economic growth," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "Like the grant announced today, the strongest proposals we have received are the ones that have taken a truly comprehensive view of the communities to be served and have engaged as many key members of the communities as possible in developing the projects."
				NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion during the first BTOP funding round and has just received a second round of BTOP applications requesting $11 billion in funding.
				The Recovery Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/19/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100419_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-04-19T17:37:12Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Celebrates Recovery Act Projects during Earth Week	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100416_earthday.html	Press Release	Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Jane Lubchenco and other dignitaries will celebrate Earth Week at 8 of the 50 coastal and Great Lakes habitat restoration projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Under the Recovery Act, NOAA was provided with $167 million for marine and coastal habitat restoration. When all projects are complete, 8,900 acres of habitat will be restored, and fish will gain access to 700 stream miles that had been blocked by obsolete and unsafe dams.	NOAA Celebrates Recovery Act Projects during Earth Week	16-Apr-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NOAA; American Reinvestment and Recovery Act; ARRA; habitat restoration; Earth Week; Earth Day; Great Lakes;
				Recovery Act projects nationwide create and support green jobs restoring fish and wildlife habitat
				16-Apr-10
				This coming week, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, and other dignitaries will celebrate Earth Week at eight of the 50 coastal and Great Lakes habitat restoration projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
				"Recovery Act projects have put Americans back to work restoring coastal habitats which are critical to the recovery and sustainability of the U.S. economy," said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. "This Administration remains committed to providing our coastal communities with the necessary tools to compete globally, create blue and green jobs and restore fisheries and economic vitality to coastal communities."
				"The 40th Earth Day is a time to renew our commitment to the environment," said Dr. Lubchenco, who will travel to projects restoring wetlands on Muskegon Lake in Michigan and coral reefs in the Florida Keys. "These projects are about recovery recovering habitat, recovering the economy and recovering our connection to the environment."
				Coastal areas generate more than 28 million jobs in the United States. Commercial and recreational fishing employs 1.5 million people and contributes $111 billion to the nation's economy.
				These coastal and Great Lakes projects are supporting blue and green jobs for Americans by improving habitat for fish, mammals, and other wildlife by restoring wetlands and coral reefs, building oyster reefs, taking down obsolete dams to open fish passage and removing derelict fishing gear that clutters our coastal waters. Habitat restoration can lead to long-term improvements in water quality, commercial and recreational fishing, tourism and greater resiliency to storms, flooding, and the effects of climate change.
				Events will take place this week at the following restoration projects:
				April 17: Magnolia Marsh Restoration (Huntington Beach, Calif.)
				April 19: Coastal Carolina Restoration (Cape Hatteras, N.C.)
				April 21: Removal of Derelict Fishing Gear in Puget Sound (Seattle)
				April 22: Muskegon Lake Restoration (Muskegon, Mich.)
				April 22: Grande Isle Shoreline Restoration (Grande Isle, La.)
				April 22: Maunalua Bay Reef Restoration (Maunalua Bay, Hawaii)
				April 22: Lincoln Park Wetland Restoration (Jersey City, N.J.)
				April 23: Threatened Coral Recovery and Restoration (Florida Keys)
				Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced last summer 50 habitat restoration projects that will restore damaged wetlands, shellfish beds, coral reefs and reopen fish passages that boost the health and resiliency of our nation's coastal and Great Lakes communities. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was provided $167 million for marine and coastal habitat restoration.
				When all the planned projects are complete, 8,900 acres of habitat will be restored, and fish will gain access to 700 stream miles that had been blocked by obsolete and unsafe dams. The projects also will remove more than 850 metric tons of abandoned fishing gear and other marine trash, rebuild oyster and other shellfish habitat, and reduce threats to 11,750 acres of coral reefs.
				For more information on the 50 projects nationwide, go to the NOAA Recovery Act Web site, where progress on each of the projects can be tracked via an interactive online map.
				NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit us at http://www.noaa.gov or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/noaa.lubchenco.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/16/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100416_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-04-16T17:13:24Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Deputy Secretary Hightower Joins Vice President Biden in Pennsylvania for Groundbreaking of ARRA Project	http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/TopNews/index.htm	Groundbreaking Event	The Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary, Dennis F. Hightower, attended the groundbreaking event for the 47,000 square foot addition to the award-winning Ben Franklin TechVentures incubator in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with Vice President Joseph R. Biden; Economic Development Administration (EDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Brian McGowan; and EDA's Philadelphia regional director, Willie Taylor. The project was funded in part by a $6 million EDA American Investment and Recovery Act grant.	Deputy Secretary Hightower Joins Vice President Biden in Pennsylvania for Groundbreaking of ARRA Project	15-Apr-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; Economic Development Administration; EDA; American Investment and Recovery Act; Recovery Act; ARRA; Bethlehem; Pennsylvania; Ben Franklin TechVentures incubator; grant
	http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/DeputySecretarySpeeches/PROD01_009120
				Bethlehem, Pa. (April 15) U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Dennis Hightower joined Vice President Joe Biden to kick off the groundbreaking of an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) project, with funds administered by Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA). EDA obligated all $147 million of its Recovery Act funds one full year ahead of schedule. Responding to aggressive goals set out by President Obama and Vice President Biden, the agency acted expeditiously. Recovery Act funds were delivered to communities where they were needed most. (Remarks)
				AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
				Thursday, April 15, 2010 202-482-4883
				Deputy Secretary of Commerce Dennis F. Hightower
				Remarks at Economic Development Administration Event,
				American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
				Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
				Thank you for the kind introduction. I am honored to be here with Vice President Biden. I also would like to recognize the Economic Development Administration's Deputy Assistant Secretary Brian McGowan and the regional director in EDA's Philadelphia office, Willie Taylor, who are both here today.
				Since the day the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) first passed last year, the Vice President has been making sure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, efficiently and quickly enough to spur economic activity in communities throughout the country.
				At the Department of Commerce, we're proud that our Economic Development Administration got all of its Recovery Act funds out the door one full year ahead of schedule.
				In total, EDA invested $11 million in 17 projects here in Pennsylvania, the biggest of which was the project right here in Bethlehem.
				I'm honored to be here at the groundbreaking for the 47,000 square-foot addition to the award-winning Ben Franklin TechVentures incubator, and I'm proud that EDA's $6 million grant has helped make today's groundbreaking happen.
				This project will open the door to millions in private investment, expand capacity here for dozens of new companies and help put people to work.
				Ultimately, supporting this incubator is about spurring the type of innovations that will generate new businesses and create new jobs that offer security, dignity and a sense of hope for the future.
				It is another piece of the new foundation of American economic prosperity.
				This project represents another step forward for Bethlehem, for Pennsylvania and for the country.
				Thank you.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/08/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100408_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-04-09T19:46:53Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE ANNOUNCES CONTINUED DEMAND FOR FUNDING TO BRING BROADBAND TO MORE AMERICANS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_Round2Applications_04072010.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a bureau of the Department of Commerce, announced that it received 867 applications requesting $11 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding during the second round of its Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). NTIA has allocated approximately $2.6 billion for this funding round. The 867 grant applications break down into three categories as follows: 355 applications requesting approximately $8.4 billion for Comprehensive Community Infrastructure; 251 applications requesting more than $1.7 million for sustainable broadband adoption; and 261 applications requesting more than $922 million for public computer centers.	COMMERCE ANNOUNCES CONTINUED DEMAND FOR FUNDING TO BRING BROADBAND TO MORE AMERICANS	7-Apr-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; ARRA; broadband; broadband technology opportunities program; BTOP; second-round funding;
				More Than 860 Diverse Applications Received in Second Funding Round to Expand Broadband Access and Adoption
				For Immediate Release CONTACT: Jessica Schafer 202-482-5670
				April 7, 2010 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it received 867 applications requesting $11 billion in funding for proposed broadband projects reaching across the United States. These applications are for the second round of NTIA's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access and adoption to help bridge the technological divide; expand economic opportunities; create jobs; and improve healthcare, education, and public safety. NTIA allocated approximately $2.6 billion for the second round of its Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
				Applications came in from a diverse range of parties including state, local, and tribal governments; nonprofits; industry; anchor institutions, such as libraries, universities, community colleges, and hospitals; public safety organizations; and other entities in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
				"For the second round of BTOP funding, we sharpened our program focus and encouraged applicants to create comprehensive proposals to meet the needs of their communities. We are pleased that a high percentage of applicants appear to have met our priorities and we look forward to reviewing this more targeted pool of applications," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator of NTIA. "We will move quickly but carefully to fund the best projects to bring broadband and jobs to more Americans."
				A preliminary analysis of applicant-reported data shows that NTIA received requests for grants totaling more than $11 billion. When including about $4.5 billion in non-Federal matching funds committed by the applicants, there are over $15.5 billion in proposed broadband projects. NTIA will employ a thorough review process with the goal of making the first Round 2 grant awards this summer.
				BTOP applications were received in three categories and break down as follows:
				Comprehensive Community Infrastructure: 355 of the applications, requesting approximately $8.4 billion in grants, are for Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects, which focus on deployment of middle mile broadband infrastructure that connects community anchor institutions, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, and public safety facilities. For the second funding round, NTIA has allocated approximately $2.35 billion for such infrastructure projects.
				Sustainable Broadband Adoption: 251 of the applications, requesting approximately $1.7 billion in grants, are for projects that promote sustainable demand for broadband services, including projects to provide broadband education, training, and equipment, particularly among vulnerable population groups where broadband technology has traditionally been underutilized. In the second funding round, NTIA has allocated at least $100 million for such projects.
				Public Computer Centers: 261 of the applications, requesting more than $922 million in grants, are for public computer center projects, which will expand access to broadband service and enhance broadband capacity at public libraries, community colleges, and other institutions that serve the public. In the second funding round, NTIA has allocated at least $150 million for such projects.
				NTIA has posted online a searchable database containing summaries of applications received. The dollar figures cited today represent applicants' self-reported totals, however these totals are preliminary estimates and may change as the applications are reviewed for errors, omissions, and duplications.
				The Recovery Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion to deploy broadband infrastructure, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will invest $2.5 billion to facilitate broadband deployment in rural communities.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 04/02/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100402_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-04-02T21:37:58Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN GUAM AND THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_Guam_grant_04012010.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a bureau of the Department of Commerce, announced an $8 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant to increase broadband access and adoption in the Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The project is expected to directly connect more than 400 community institutions to the broadband network. Island Telephone and Engineering (IT&E) plans to bring the first high-capacity broadband services to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by upgrading the existing network infrastructure and replacing the existing inter-island transmission system using fiber, 3G wireless and WiMax technology.	COMMERCE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN GUAM AND THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS	4/1/2010	U.S. Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; NTIA; Recovery Act; ARRA; broadband; broadband technology opportunities program; BTOP; Guam; Northern Mariana Islands; Island Telephone and Engineering
				For Immediate Release: April 1, 2010
				Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare in the Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The $8 million grant will increase broadband access and adoption by upgrading the existing telecommunications network serving these remote and underserved areas. The project is expected to directly connect more than 400 community institutions to the broadband network, including community colleges, K-12 schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, and public-safety organizations.
				With this grant, Island Telephone and Engineering (IT&E) plans to bring the first high-capacity broadband services to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. In addition to upgrading existing network infrastructure, IT&E plans to replace the existing inter-island transmission system using fiber, 3G wireless, and WiMax technology. The speed of the planned network will enable government agencies, schools, and businesses in these remote island locations to benefit from videoconferencing and other advanced broadband capabilities.
				NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				"Broadband plays a critical role in helping communities achieve durable, sustainable economic growth," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "Like the grant announced today, the strongest proposals we have received are the ones that have taken a truly comprehensive view of the communities to be served and have engaged as many key members of the communities as possible in developing the projects."
				NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion during the first BTOP funding round and has just received a second round of BTOP applications.
				The Recovery Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.
				Fact sheets with further information about all BTOP grants are available on the NTIA web site here: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/projects.html.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 03/26/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100326_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-03-26T19:06:18Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOPGrants_03252010.html	Press Release	The Secretary of Commerce announced ten National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) grants for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The grants total more than $63 million and will fund projects that will increase broadband access and adoption for households and businesses in 16 states: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Vermont and Virginia.	SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	25-Mar-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; Recovery Act; ARRA; broadband; BTOP; Arizona; New Mexico; Utah; Navajo Tribal Utility Authority; California; Colorado; Idaho; Maryland; Minnesota; Missouri; Pennsylvania; Texas; Mission Economic Development Agency; First Step Internet; Illinois; Chicago; C.K. Blandin Foundation; North Carolina; Fayetteville State University; Ohio; Zito Media Communications; Vermont; Vermont Council on Rural Development; Virginia; Nelson County; Page County
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
				Thursday, March 25, 2010
				News Media Contact: Shannon Gilson, (202) 482-4883, sgilson@doc.gov
				WASHINGTON U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced 10 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare across the country. The investments, totaling more than $63 million in grants, will increase broadband access and adoption in more than a dozen states. The grants will fund projects that lay the groundwork to bring enhanced high-speed Internet access to thousands of households and businesses and link hundreds of schools, hospitals, libraries, and public safety offices to the information superhighway.
				"In a globalized 21st century economy, when you don't have regular access to high-speed Internet, you don't have access to all the educational, business and employment opportunities it provides," Locke said. "These critical Recovery Act investments will create jobs and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable economic growth in communities across America."
				The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. "The level of interest in this program has been extraordinary, and is yet another indicator of the critical role broadband plays in achieving durable, sustainable economic growth," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Stickling said. "Like the grants announced today, the strongest proposals are the ones that have taken a truly comprehensive view of the communities to be served and have engaged as many key members of the communities as possible in developing the projects."
				The following grants were announced today:
				Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority: $32.2 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $13.8 million applicant-provided match to bring high-speed affordable broadband services to the Navajo Nation by deploying 550 miles of new aerial fiber-optic cable and 59 new or modified microwave towers covering 15,000 square miles in three states. The proposed service area has rugged terrain and significant poverty, and more than 60 percent of residents lack basic telephone service. The project expects to directly connect 49 Chapter Houses, which serve as community centers for the Navajo population, at speeds from 10 Mbps to 10 Gaps. Last-mile wireless services will be offered at speeds between 1 and 3 Mbps through the project's wireless partner, Comment Wireless.
				Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Texas - Mission Economic Development Agency: $3.7 million public computer center grant with an additional $2.5 million applicant-provided match to create 12 new public computer centers and expand five existing ones in Phoenix, Ariz.; Canoga Park, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Calif.; Del Norte, Colo.; Blackfoot, Idaho; Wheaton, Md.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Kansas City, Mo.; Anthony, NM; Philadelphia, Pa.; and San Antonio and Laredo, Texas. Each center expects to operate on the project's centrally managed network and provide computer training and adult education to a low broadband adoption, high unemployment target population through a standardized English-Spanish training curriculum.
				Idaho - First Step Internet: $2.4 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $600,000 applicant-provided match to build a regional network of 10 microwave towers to extend high-capacity Internet service in the rural counties of Latah, Idaho, Clearwater, Lewis, and Nez Perce in north-central Idaho. The project intends to directly connect 42 anchor institutions, including healthcare facilities, emergency response agencies, libraries, and government offices, as well as institutions serving the Nez Perce Tribe.
				Illinois - City of Chicago: $7 million sustainable broadband adoption grant with an additional $2.3 million applicant-provided match to spur economic development in five disadvantaged neighborhoods in Chicago with a comprehensive broadband awareness and adoption program that will include providing computers and training opportunities to more than 11,000 residents and 500 small businesses and not-for-profits. The project intends to create public computer centers at six community centers for working families and expand workstation capacity at four Business Resource Centers, as well as provide 1,500 residents and small businesses that complete a multi-session training course with laptops and net books.
				Minnesota - C.K. Blanding Foundation: $4.9 million sustainable broadband adoption grant with an additional $1.5 million applicant-provided match to launch the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities initiative, a multi-sector, comprehensive approach to sustainable broadband adoption targeting residents, small businesses, local governments, and critical services providers in each of Minnesota's 80 rural counties. The project anticipates training as many as 2,500 individuals in computer literacy, online education, and workforce development, and plans to distribute 1,000 affordable refurbished computers. Funding will also support the development of institutional broadband applications for schools and healthcare facilities to help increase broadband adoption.
				North Carolina - Fayetteville State University: $1 million public computer center grant with an additional $263,000 applicant-provided match to provide 30 new computer workstations, wireless Internet access, and training courses at a new public computer center for the Fayetteville, North Carolina, community, including residents of local public housing. The project will include courses on Internet basics, personal finance and health, and basic job skills. The first 50 users to complete all of these courses will receive a laptop computer for home use. This project will be led by Fayetteville State University, a Historically Black University, in partnership with the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority and other organizations that will provide training targeted to the needs of low-income persons.
				Ohio and Pennsylvania - Ziti Media Communications: $6.1 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $1.5 million applicant-provided match to create a 382-mile fiber ring with 10 gigabits of capacity through the counties of Geauga, Ashtabula, and Trumbull in Northeastern Ohio, and the counties of Erie, Crawford, and Mercer in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The project plans to deploy 342 miles of new fiber and 40 miles of leased fiber to directly connect an estimated 60 community anchor institutions at speeds from 10 Mbps to 1 Gaps, including hospitals, schools, public safety agencies, colleges, and libraries.
				Vermont - Vermont Council on Rural Development: $2.5 million sustainable broadband adoption grant with an additional $1.2 million applicant-provided match to increase broadband Internet access and adoption in 24 small, mostly rural communities through a comprehensive effort combining broadband training, access, awareness, and planning. The Vermont Council on Rural Development and its project partners plan to train more than 1,800 individuals and distribute an estimated 1,200 computers to 4th and 5th grade students, as well as work with teachers to integrate broadband usage into lesson plans.
				Virginia - Nelson County of Virginia: $1.8 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $457,000 applicant-provided match to enhance and expand broadband Internet services in areas of rural Nelson County, Virginia by deploying 31 miles of new fiber and four new wireless tower sites, and directly connecting 13 community anchor institutions. The anchor institutions receiving direct connections to the new network are expected to include seven county government facilities, four K-12 schools, a library, and the Blue Ridge Medical Center.
				Virginia - Page County Broadband Authority: $1.6 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $412,000 applicant-provided match to deploy a 39-mile fiber network that will serve the four principal towns in Page County, Virginia, a rural and underserved area in the Shenandoah region of Western Virginia. The network expects to directly connect 29 anchor institutions including, 11 K-12 schools, three libraries, six healthcare facilities, Lord Fairfax Community College, and eight public safety institutions.
				NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion during the first BTOP funding round and is currently awarding grants on a rolling basis. NTIA just received a second round of applications in the BTOP Sustainable Broadband Adoption and Public Computer Center grant categories, and is currently accepting applications in the BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure grant category through March 26, 2010.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion of that funding for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 03/22/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100322_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-03-24T17:42:00Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS IN NEW YORK AND CALIFORNIA TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_NYCLA_03192010.html	Press Release	The Secretary of Commerce announced two National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) broadband grants totaling more than $29M. The NYC Connected Learning project plans to provide computer training, desktop computers, educational software, and free broadband access for one year to more than 18,000 low-income sixth graders and their families in 100 high-need public middle schools in New York City. In the Los Angeles, California, Unified School District, 15,000 sixth-grade student and their families will be provided computer training and a refurbished computer with educational software, helping to increase broadband technology awareness, students to succeed academically, and increase family involvement in children's education.	SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS IN NEW YORK AND CALIFORNIA TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 19, 2010 News Media Contact: Shannon Gilson, (202) 482-4883, sgilson@doc.gov WASHINGTON U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced two American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to help bridge the technological divide, improve education, and increase economic opportunities for low-income families in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. The grants, totaling more than $29 million, will fund computer training and provide more than 30,000 computers to middle school students and their families in high-need schools, enabling them to make use of key educational, employment, and health resources online. In New York, the NYC Connected Learning project plans to provide computer training, desktop computers, educational software, and free broadband access for one year to more than 18,000 low-income sixth graders and their families in 100 high-need public middle schools in New York City. The not-for-profit organization Computers for Youth will conduct computer training for parents and students in English, Spanish, and other languages to enhance digital literacy and increase the relevance of broadband to people's everyday lives. As a result of this project, more than 12,000 households are expected to subscribe to broadband beyond the free year-long subscription period. In California, Computers for Youth will partner with the Los Angeles Unified School District to increase broadband technology awareness, help students succeed academically, and increase family involvement in their children's education through computer and Internet tools. The project will provide 15,000 sixth-grade students and their families with computer training, after which they will receive a refurbished computer with educational software. Nearly 8,000 households are anticipated to become new broadband subscribers as a result of this project. "These critical investments will expand computer and Internet services to students and families in need to help them succeed in school and make them full participants in today's 21st century information economy," Locke said. "Having access to the Internet's economic, health and educational benefits should be as much of a fundamental American right as attending a quality school or feeling safe when you walk down the street." The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion during the first BTOP funding round and is currently awarding grants on a rolling basis. NTIA just received a second round of applications in the BTOP Sustainable Broadband Adoption and Public Computer Center grant categories, and is currently accepting applications in the BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure grant category through March 26, 2010. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.	19-Mar-10	U.S. Department of Commerce; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; Recovery Act; ARRA; broadband; BTOP; California; New York; computer training; create jobs; NYC Connected Learning; Computers for Youth;

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 03/08/2010 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100308_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-03-10T11:59:57Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN VIRGINIA AND AMERICAN SAMOA	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BBMapping_VA_AS_03052010.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Commerce announced grants in Virginia and America Samoa to fund broadband mapping and planning activities. The grants made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and planning.	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN VIRGINIA AND AMERICAN SAMOA	5-Mar-10	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, Virginia, America Samoa, broadband mapping, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), broadband access, data collection, broadband planning.
				Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services
				For Immediate Release: March 5, 2010
				Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Virginia and American Samoa under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.
				NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. NTIA has now awarded 54 grants totaling approximately $102 million under the program, including today's announcement.
				"Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning. Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "We have now awarded all but two of the grants in the program and will continue to work with the remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens."
				American Samoa: NTIA has awarded the American Samoa Office of the Governor approximately $558,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in American Samoa, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.1 million. The Office of the Governor is the designated entity for the territory of American Samoa.
				Virginia: NTIA has awarded the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology $1,799,979 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Virginia, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.3 million. The Virginia Center for Innovative Technology is the designated entity for the state of Virginia.
				NTIA carefully evaluates each application to determine whether the applicant directly represents the interests of the state. This state-applicant connection is especially critical in the context of the broadband planning activities that NTIA considers the responsibility of the state. CNMI and Guam are providing direction and supervision to the planning activities that will be undertaken by its designated entity, which is a non-state government entity, to ensure that planning funds are used to address the specific needs of the state.
				Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis in the next two years, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
				The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.
				All awardees, except the Territorial governments in Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.
				U.S. Department of Commerce's NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy. For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 03/08/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100308_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-03-10T11:59:33Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
SECRETARY LOCKE AND SENATOR LANDRIEU ANNOUNCE RECOVERY ACT	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_Louisiana_03052010.pdf	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced $80 million grant in Louisiana. The Louisiana Broadband Alliance will use the investment to bring high-speed internet access to schools, libraries and health care facilities in some of the most economically distressed regions of Louisiana. The grant is made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	SECRETARY LOCKE AND SENATOR LANDRIEU ANNOUNCE RECOVERY ACT	5-Mar-10	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), broadband access, Louisiana, Louisiana Broadband Alliance, high-speed internet, schools, libraries, health care facilities, Secretary Gary Locke, Senator Mary Landrieu, create jobs, economic growth.
INVESTMENT IN LOUISIANA TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND				INVESTMENT IN LOUISIANA TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES				ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
				WASHINGTON U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today, joined by Senator Mary
				Landrieu, announced an $80 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act)
				investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and
				improve education and healthcare in Louisiana. The grant will bring high-speed Internet access
				to more than 80 community anchor institutions including universities, K-12 schools, libraries,
				healthcare facilities and lay the groundwork for bringing affordable broadband service to
				thousands of homes and businesses in the region.
				The Louisiana Broadband Alliance, collaboration among six state agencies, plans to deploy more
				than 900 miles of fiber-optic network to expand broadband Internet service in some of the most
				economically distressed regions of Louisiana. The new network intends to provide direct
				connections for more than 80 community anchor institutions including universities, K-12
				schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities. The 3,488-square-mile service area includes 12
				impoverished parishes targeted by the state's Louisiana Delta Initiative and a separate five-parish
				area that is home to four federally-recognized American Indian Tribes. The new network would
				connect to the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative (LONI), a more than 1,600 mile fiber-optic
				network that connects Louisiana and Mississippi research universities to National LambdaRail
				and Internet2.
				"This critical investment will expand computer and high-speed Internet service access to
				Louisiana residents most in need, helping to make them full participants in today's 21st century
				information economy, said Locke. "We are giving the people of Louisiana new tools to educate
				themselves, to promote their businesses and to create more opportunities for their families and
				their community."
				Earlier this week, Secretary Locke announced a $1.4 million grant to the Deaf Action Center of
				Louisiana to provide on-demand, cost-effective sign language interpretation at community
				anchor institutions such as hospitals, courts, public safety agencies, shelters, schools and
				libraries.
				The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information
				Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the
				Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance
				and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				"Today, we have taken a big leap in our efforts to expand high-speed internet to throughout rural
				Louisiana, including the Delta parishes in the Northeast part of our state," Senator Landrieu
				said. "Creating jobs and spurring rural small business growth, these new funds will increase
				broadband capacity at our homes, schools, and hospitals to advance education, research, and
				healthcare delivery to areas in need of modern infrastructure. I am thankful for the Department
				of Commerce's support of this, and the many, innovative projects we have going on in Louisiana
				to improve broadband access."
				NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion
				during the first BTOP funding round and is currently awarding grants on a rolling basis. NTIA is
				currently accepting BTOP applications for a second funding round. Applications for Public
				Computer Center and Sustainable Broadband Adoption projects are accepted through March 15,
				2010 and Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects are accepted through March 26,
				2010
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the
				Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand
				access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for
				grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center
				capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all
				grant awards by September 30, 2010.
				###

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 03/05/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100305_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-03-05T15:50:33Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOPgrants_03022010.html	Press Release	The U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced 23 investments made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These investments will increase broadband access and adoption, boost economic growth and create jobs. The grants totaling more than $160 million will help to bridge the technological divide in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.	SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENTS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	2-Mar-10	U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary Gary Locke, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), broadband access, economic growth, create jobs, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
				News Media Contact:
				Shannon Gilson, (202) 482-4883, sgilson@doc.gov
				WASHINGTON U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced 23 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs and improve education and healthcare cross the country. The grants will increase broadband access and adoption in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. The grants, totaling more than $160 million, will lay the groundwork to bring high-speed Internet access to millions of households and businesses, and link up thousands of schools, hospitals, libraries, and public safety offices to the information superhighway.
				"In a globalized 21st century economy, when you don't have regular access to the Internet, you don't have access to all the educational and employment opportunities it provides. Fast, reliable Internet can help keep communities safer, open doors for small businesses and provide job training and skills to more Americans," Locke said. "Over the long-term, enabling our people to create new products and new ways of doing business will help communities throughout the country get onto a sustainable growth path, and that's what the Recovery Act is all about."
				The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				"The level of interest in this program has been extraordinary, and is yet another indicator of the critical role broadband plays in achieving durable, sustainable economic growth," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. "Like the grants announced today, the strongest proposals are the ones that have taken a truly comprehensive view of the communities to be served and have engaged as many key members of the communities as possible in developing the projects."
				The following grants were announced today:
				California: Level 3 EON, LLC: $3.3 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $1.1 million applicant-provided match to build 11 new access points on Level 3's existing broadband network. These additional points of interconnection essentially on-ramps to the Internet will offer broadband speeds between 50 Mbps and 10 Gbps on an open and nondiscriminatory basis to local Internet service providers, enabling them to provide enhanced broadband capabilities to as many as 240,000 households, 9,900 businesses, and 240 anchor institutions, including schools, government agencies, and healthcare providers.
				Florida: Level 3 EON, LLC: $2.1 million broadband infrastructure grant with an additional $689,000 applicant-provided match to build seven new access points on Level 3's existing broadband network. These additional points of interconnection will offer broadband speeds between 50 Mbps and 10 Gbps on an open and nondiscriminatory basis to local Internet service providers, enabling them to provide enhanced broadband capabilities to as many as 180,000 households, 12,300 businesses, and 100 community anchor institutions, including schools, government agencies, and healthcare providers.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 03/03/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100303_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-03-05T15:50:03Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
SECRETARY LOCKE AND SENATOR REID ANNOUNCE RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT IN NEVADA TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_LasVegas_ClarkCounty_03022010.html	Press Release	The U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced a $4.7 million investment to Las Vegas-Clark County Urban League, made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This investment will upgrade or open public computer centers, provide computer skills classes, job training, and health programs in Clark County, Nevada.	SECRETARY LOCKE AND SENATOR REID ANNOUNCE RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT IN NEVADA TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES	2-Mar-10	Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Las Vegas-Clark County Urban League, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), public computer centers, job training, health programs, Clark County, Nevada, jobs, economic growth, internet access.
				For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
				News Media Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670, press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today, joined by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, announced a $4.7 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) investment to help bridge the technological divide and increase economic opportunities in Clark County, Nevada. The grant will upgrade or open a total of 29 public computer centers in public housing developments and community and senior centers, as well as provide computer skills classes, job training and certification programs, and support community health programs through local partner organizations.
				The investment will allow the Las Vegas-Clark County Urban League, in partnership with the City of Las Vegas and the Housing Authority of the County of Clark, to expand broadband access for vulnerable populations by replacing approximately 100 computer workstations and adding more than 90 new ones. As a result, the centers will nearly triple the number of users served per week to nearly 5,000, expanding access to interactive and online job search tools, and training in both English and Spanish.
				"This critical investment will expand computer and high-speed Internet service access to Nevada residents most in need, helping to make them full participants in today's 21st century information economy," Locke said. "Having access to the Internet's economic, health and educational benefits will help to improve the quality of life in these communities."
				The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				Public housing developments, community, and senior centers provide important services for southern Nevadans and thanks to these economic recovery funds they will be expanded," Reid said. "I appreciate Secretary Locke making these funds available for Nevadans who rely on the computer classes, health programs and job training programs at these centers."
				NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion during the first BTOP funding round and is currently awarding grants on a rolling basis. NTIA is currently accepting BTOP applications through March 15, 2010 for a second round of funding.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 03/02/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100302_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-03-03T15:25:48Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPT. ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT IN CALIFORNIA TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ADOPTION AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/02262010_BTOP_CETF.html	Press Release	The U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced a $7.25 million investment to California Emerging Technology Fund, made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This investment will fund digital literacy training in low-income communities in Los Angeles, the Central Valley, Orange County, San Diego, and Inland Empire in California.	COMMERCE DEPT. ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT IN CALIFORNIA TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ADOPTION AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES	1-Mar-10	U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), California Emerging Technology Fund, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), economic growth, create jobs, education, health resources, digital literacy training, Los Angeles, Central Valley, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire, California.
				For Immediate Release: February 26, 2010
				Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced a $7.25 million Recovery Act investment to bridge the technological divide and increase economic opportunities in vulnerable and low-income communities in Los Angeles, the Central Valley, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire in California. The grant will fund digital literacy training for more than 675,000 individuals, enabling them to make use of key educational, employment, and health resources online.
				With this investment, the California Emerging Technology Fund will coordinate a multifaceted outreach campaign using local partner organizations, trusted ambassadors, and grassroots mobilization, to disseminate information about broadband training and services to 5 million California residents. Among other benefits, this investment will upgrade California's One-e-App one-stop online screening and enrollment system that helps families apply for a range of health care and social service programs. The project expects to increase adoption of broadband Internet service among key vulnerable populations by more than 130,000 households.
				"High-speed Internet access is the lifeblood of today's economy. While broadband usage rates have increased in recent years, a significant portion of the population is still not online and therefore deprived of access to many job and educational opportunities, employment training, health information, and other vital services that are available online," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "This investment will help close this gap and help create economic opportunities for more Americans."
				The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion during the first BTOP funding round and is currently awarding grants on a rolling basis. NTIA is currently accepting BTOP applications through March 15, 2010 for a second round of funding.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/25/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100225_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-02-26T11:57:55Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT IN NEW MEXICO AND TEXAS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/022410_SECRETARY_LOCKE_ANNOUNCES_RECOVERY_ACT_INVESTMENT_IN_NM_AND_TX_TO_EXPAND_BROADBAND_INTERNET_ACCESS_AND_SPUR_ECONOMIC_GROWTH.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced an $11.2 million investment to the ENMR Telephone Cooperative, Inc. made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This investment will enhance broadband Internet capabilities in eastern New Mexico and west Texas and help bridge the technological divide.	SECRETARY LOCKE ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT IN NEW MEXICO AND TEXAS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS AND SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH	24-Feb-10	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), ENMR Telephone Cooperative, Inc., U.S. Department of Commerce, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), New Mexico, west Texas, broadband, Internet, create jobs, economic growth, Secretary Locke, Senator Jeff Bingaman, Senator Tom Udall, Governor Toney Anaya.
				WASHINGTON U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke today, joined by Senator Jeff Bingaman, Senator Tom Udall and former New Mexico Governor Toney Anaya on a press conference call, announced a $11.2 million Recovery Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare in eastern New Mexico and west Texas. The grant will bring high-speed Internet access to more than 200 community anchor institutions including schools, public safety organizations, healthcare facilities, and government agencies and lay the groundwork for bringing affordable broadband service to thousands of homes and businesses in the region.
				The investment will allow the ENMR Telephone Cooperative, Inc., which does business as ENMR-Plateau, to enhance broadband Internet capabilities in eastern New Mexico and west Texas by providing a more than 1,600-mile ring of fiber. Among other benefits, the project plans to expand distance learning opportunities for students at schools and libraries in rural areas and enable connectivity to a telehealth network being constructed across New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado.
				"This critical investment will expand high-speed Internet service access to New Mexico schools and hospitals, and eventually homes and businesses, helping to make them full participants in today's 21st century information economy," Locke said. "Having access to the Internet's economic, health and educational benefits will help to improve the quality of life in these communities."
				The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.
				"This $11.2 million grant to ENMR Telephone Cooperative will make it possible to build miles of new fiber-optic lines, which will benefit businesses, schools, libraries, public safety entities, and help advance the telehealth network being developed across New Mexico," said Bingaman. "This grant is good news for eastern New Mexico, as well as for our entire state."
				"Over the last 10 years, America has gone from being a world leader in Internet penetration to now lagging in that effort, and as a state, New Mexico sadly falls towards the bottom of that list," said Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. "I am proud this Recovery award will help develop the needed broadband infrastructure in New Mexico that will help enable teleheath services, distance learning programs and attract future businesses and jobs to our state."
				"This is great news for eastern New Mexico," said Anaya, executive director of the New Mexico Office of Recovery and Reinvestment. "The Recovery Act continues to invest in New Mexico's communities, employing thousands, rebuilding our infrastructure, and supporting the state budget."
				New Mexico Representatives Martin Heinrich, Ben Ray Luj n and Harry Teague also praised today's award.
				"The world of information technology is vast, and vital to education and job opportunities in New Mexico," said Heinrich. "By connecting New Mexicans with improved access to the Internet, we open the door to endless possibilities for learning and inspiring entrepreneurship and economic growth, which are key components of the Recovery Act."
				"As we become increasingly dependent on Internet technology for our everyday activities, we must ensure that all communities have access. Extending broadband throughout New Mexico will help our businesses grow, our children learn, and our communities stay informed," said Luj n. "It is encouraging that the Recovery Act is making this important investment in broadband technology."
				"For many communities in my district, access to broadband is a luxury and often times that means they have to miss out on critical educational and economic opportunities," said Teague. "These Recovery funds will help give rural communities in New Mexico the same opportunities that their more urban counterparts currently enjoy by providing the resources needed to build local economies and job opportunities across the region."
				NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion during the first BTOP funding round and is currently awarding grants on a rolling basis. NTIA is currently accepting BTOP applications through March 15, 2010 for a second round of funding.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 02/22/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100222_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-02-24T12:14:06Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NIST Grants Awards for Recovery Act Fellowship Programs	http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/grants_021910.html	Press Release	The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded fellowships totaling $20 million as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The University of Maryland and University of Colorado will receive funding to implement NIST measurement science and engineering fellowship programs.	NIST Grants Awards for Recovery Act Fellowship Programs	19-Feb-10	U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), University of Maryland, University of Colorado, fellowship programs, economy, create jobs, science, engineering.
Programs Will Develop U.S. Scientific Talent Pool				Programs Will Develop U.S. Scientific Talent Pool
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :	CONTACT: Ben Stein
				19-Feb-10	(301) 975-3097
				GAITHERSBURG, Md. The U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced today that it is awarding a total of $20 million to the University of Maryland and the University of Colorado to develop and implement NIST measurement science and engineering fellowship programs. The new fellowship programs were funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
				"These fellowship programs will create jobs and provide immediate and long-term benefits to our economy," said NIST Director Patrick Gallagher. "These new, high-quality training opportunities at NIST in measurement science will bolster our nation's science and technology infrastructure, which is critical for innovating and competing in today's global economy."
				Each fellowship program will last three years. The University of Maryland program, to be funded at $15.5 million, will bring approximately 50 fellows per year to work at NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, Md., and Charleston, S.C. The University of Colorado program, funded at $4.5 million, will supply the NIST Boulder laboratories with approximately 20 fellows per year. Although the new fellowship programs will be administered by the University of Maryland and the University of Colorado, undergraduate and graduate students from other universities are eligible and encouraged to apply. These universities will also recruit nationally for the senior scientist and postdoctoral research fellowships.
				The two programs will bring fellows from the entire range of experience levels undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral and senior scientists. The awards will last for three years and begin in February 2010.
				The fellowship program will provide new research collaborations for NIST scientists and further develop a future scientific talent pool with extensive training in measurement science. NIST funding of the two programs will ensure that the recruited fellows are closely tied to the research needs and interests of each NIST laboratory.
				For their part, the fellows will have the opportunity to work with world-class NIST researchers and gain access to one-of-a-kind facilities. The grants were awarded under a competitive process that resulted in eight eligible applications, which were reviewed intensively at NIST. The new fellowship programs will complement NIST's existing fellowship programs, such as the Postdoctoral Research Associates Program, which also received ARRA support.
				As a nonregulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 01/21/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100121_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-01-21T13:56:39Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE AWARDS RECOVERY ACT BROADBAND EXPANSION GRANTS TOTALING $63 MILLION	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOPGrants_MAMINC_100120.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has awarded grants to Massachusetts, Michigan and North Carolina totaling $63 million. The grants will fund broadband access and adoption as part of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	COMMERCE AWARDS RECOVERY ACT BROADBAND EXPANSION GRANTS TOTALING $63 MILLION	20-Jan-10	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Department of Commerce, broadband infrastructure, create jobs, grants.
				Funds Will Expand Broadband Infrastructure and Access in Massachusetts, Michigan and North Carolina
				For Immediate Release: January 20, 2010
				Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced grants totaling $63 million to expand broadband access and adoption in Massachusetts, Michigan and North Carolina. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. These investments will help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth and create jobs.
				"High-speed Internet access is the lifeblood of today's economy," Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "Having access to the Internet's economic, health and educational benefits should be as much of a fundamental American right as attending a quality school. Our best minds should be able to talk to one another, create and innovate regardless of where they come from. These grants are an important step toward expanding high-speed Internet access into the unserved and underserved areas of the country."
				NTIA received nearly 1,800 applications during the first BTOP funding round and is currently awarding grants on a rolling basis. Including today's announcement, NTIA has now awarded 15 grants totaling approximately $200 million under the program.
				"The level of interest in this program has been extraordinary, and is yet another indicator of the critical role broadband plays in achieving durable, sustainable economic growth," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "Like the grants announced today, the strongest proposals are the ones that have taken a truly comprehensive view of the communities to be served and have engaged as many key members of the communities as possible in developing the projects."
				BTOP grants fall into one of three categories. Infrastructure grants build and improve connections to communities lacking sufficient broadband access. Public computer center grants expand computer center capacity for public use in libraries, community colleges and other public venues. Sustainable broadband adoption grants fund innovative projects to increase broadband subscription levels in areas or among population groups where the technology has traditionally been underutilized.
				The following grants were announced today:
				Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts-Lowell: $780,000 broadband adoption grant with an additional $196,000 in applicant-provided matching funds to promote broadband awareness and computer literacy among vulnerable populations, including the nation's second largest Cambodian population, low-income and at-risk youth, the unemployed, residents without college degrees, and seniors in Lowell and Merrimack Valley. As part of the program, University of Massachusetts Lowell students will work in local computer centers with at-risk youth and seniors to develop appropriate training and outreach materials.
				Michigan, Merit Network, Inc.: $33.3 million infrastructure grant with an additional $8.3 million in matching funds to build a 955-mile advanced fiber-optic network through 32 counties in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The project also intends to directly connect 44 community anchor institutions and will serve an area covering 886,000 households, 45,800 businesses, and an additional 378 anchor institutions.
				Michigan, Michigan State University: $895,000 public computer center grant with an additional $235,000 in matching funds to expand 84 existing library computer centers and establish four new computer centers. Computer center sites were selected by targeting underserved and high-unemployment population areas and then focusing on those libraries with the greatest need for additional computing capacity. The project will add 500 new workstations at these targeted public computer centers throughout the state and serve nearly 13,000 additional users per week.
				North Carolina, MCNC: $28.2 million infrastructure grant with an additional $11.7 million in matching funds and in-kind contributions to build a 494-mile middle-mile broadband network passing almost half the population of North Carolina in 37 counties. The network will build new rings in the western and eastern regions of the state, which will connect to 685 miles of existing infrastructure in the urbanized central region, expanding the reach of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), an established broadband service for community anchor institutions in the state.
				NTIA recently announced that a second round of BTOP applications will be accepted through March 15, 2010. The rules for applying to this funding round have been modified to make the application process more user-friendly and better target program resources.
				"I encourage prospective round two BTOP applicants to study the grant announcements we are currently rolling out for guidance as they put together their own project proposals," added Strickling.
				NTIA and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), which is administering a companion broadband expansion grant and loan program, will hold a series of public workshops to review the new application process and answer questions from prospective applicants. The workshops will be held starting on January 26th through February 12th in Portland, Ore.; Reno, Nev.; Denver, Colo.; San Antonio, Tex.; Eureka, Mo.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Detroit, Mich.; Blacksburg, Va.; Fayetteville, N.C.; and Atlanta, Ga. Interested parties can register for the workshops and find more information on rules for the second round of funding at http://www.broadbandusa.gov. NTIA and RUS have also provided a new online tool, BroadbandMatch (at http://match.broadbandusa.gov) to facilitate partnerships among prospective applicants to the agencies' broadband grant and loan programs.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and RUS to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will use $2.5 billion in budget authority to support grants and loans to facilitate broadband deployment in primarily rural communities. NTIA plans to announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 01/19/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100119_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-01-19T14:48:03Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AND USDA'S RUS ANNOUNCE AVAILABILITY OF $4.8 BILLION IN RECOVERY ACT FUNDING TO BRING BROADBAND TO MORE AMERICANS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BTOP_BIP_NOFAII_100115.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced a second funding round for grants and loans to expand broadband access and adoption. The rules for the second funding round have been modified to make the application process easier and to better target program resources. The $4.8 billion in funding is made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AND USDA'S RUS ANNOUNCE AVAILABILITY OF $4.8 BILLION IN RECOVERY ACT FUNDING TO BRING BROADBAND TO MORE AMERICANS	15-Jan-10	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), grants, loans, broadband access, $4.8 billion, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Department of Commerce, funding, jobs, economic growth, create jobs, broadband programs.
				Agencies Enhance Program Objectives,
				Announce Workshop Locations to Assist Applicants
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2010
				NTIA Media Contact: USDA Media Contact:
				Jessica Schafer Bartel Kendrick
				202-482-5670 202-379-8400
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) today announced availability of $4.8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants and loans to expand broadband access and adoption in America. This is the second funding round for the agencies' broadband programs. The investment will help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, and create jobs.
				NTIA and RUS also announced the rules for applying in this funding round, which have been modified to make the application process easier for applicants and better target program resources.
				"Based on the feedback we received from stakeholders and our own experience in the first funding round, we are making the application process more user-friendly, sharpening our funding focus to make the biggest impact with this investment, and streamlining our review process to increase efficiency," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator of NTIA.
				"In response to lessons learned from the first funding round, RUS is making important changes that will make the process easier for applicants and target our resources toward' last-mile' broadband connections to homes and businesses," said Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture. "This draws on our long experience in improving rural networks to the most difficult-to-reach areas of our country that need it most. We've streamlined the application process, added support for satellite service for rural residents left unserved after other funds are awarded, and provided ourselves more flexibility to target areas of greatest need. We are going to stretch every last dime to maximize economic development in rural areas that currently lack adequate broadband service."
				The agencies announced the rules for this funding round in two separate but complementary Notices of Funds Availability (NOFAs) that promote each agency's distinct objectives.
				NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)
				NTIA's NOFA allocates approximately $2.6 billion in this funding round of which approximately $2.35 billion will be made available for infrastructure projects. In this round, NTIA is adopting a "comprehensive communities" approach as its top priority in awarding infrastructure grants, focusing on middle mile broadband projects that connect key community anchor institutions such as libraries, hospitals, community colleges, universities, and public safety institutions. Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects maximize the benefits of BTOP by leveraging resources, promoting sustainable community growth, and ultimately laying the foundation for reasonably priced broadband service to consumers and businesses.
				In addition, NTIA plans to award at least $150 million of the funding for Public Computer Center projects, which will expand access to broadband service and enhance broadband capacity at public libraries, community colleges, and other institutions that service the general public. NTIA also plans to award at least $100 million for Sustainable Broadband Adoption projects, which include projects to provide broadband education, training, and equipment, particularly to vulnerable population groups where broadband technology has traditionally been underutilized.
				RUS's Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP)
				RUS's NOFA allocates approximately $2.2 billion in this funding round for broadband infrastructure projects. A second funding window will open later which will provide grants for satellite service for premises that remain unserved after all other Recovery Act broadband funding is awarded, make Technical Assistance grants for developing plans using broadband for regional economic development, and grants to provide broadband service to rural libraries funded by USDA under the Recovery Act.
				RUS will focus this round on last mile projects, which are anticipated to receive the vast majority of funding. RUS will also fund middle mile projects involving current RUS program participants. The first NOFA had two funding options grants up to 100 percent in remote rural areas, and 50/50 loan/grant combinations in non-remote rural areas. In the second NOFA, RUS has eliminated this distinction and adopted a base 75/25 grant/loan combination for all projects. The new approach provides RUS with flexibility to seek a waiver if additional grant resources are needed for areas that are difficult to serve, and priority for those who seek lower grant levels. RUS believes this simplified and flexible funding strategy will promote rural economic development.
				Separate NOFAs will allow applicants to apply directly to either program. RUS also eliminates the two-step process for BIP applicants to improve program efficiency. These changes will also add valuable time for applicants to focus on one specific program in preparing a more solid application.
				Incorporated into the RUS NOFA is an opportunity for the reconsideration of BIP requests to provide viable applications with every chance for funding. There is also a second application review process during which RUS would allow an applicant to adjust its application to better meet program objectives and for the Administrator to provide discretionary points or to increase a grant component to meet rural economic objectives.
				Public Workshops
				Also today, NTIA and RUS announced a series of public workshops to review the application process and answer questions from prospective applicants. The workshops will be held in Portland, Ore.; Reno, Nev.; Denver, Colo.; San Antonio, Tex.; Eureka, Mo.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Detroit, Mich.; Blacksburg, Va.; Fayetteville, N.C.; and Atlanta, Ga. Interested parties can register for the workshops at www.broadbandusa.gov.
				The agencies plan to accept applications from February 16, 2010, to March 15, 2010, and announce all awards by September 30, 2010.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and RUS to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will use $2.5 billion in budget authority to support grants and loans to facilitate broadband deployment in primarily rural communities.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 01/14/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100114_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-01-19T13:06:11Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $7.5 Million Investment to Increase Broadband Access in Los Angeles	http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008797	Press Release	U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke joined by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer announced a $7.5 Million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. The grant was awarded to the Los Angeles' Computer Access Network (L.A.-CAN). The grant will upgrade, expand, and provide free internet access to the public in its 188 computer centers.	Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $7.5 Million Investment to Increase Broadband Access in Los Angeles	13-Jan-10	U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary Gary Locke, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Los Angeles' Computer Access Network (L.A.-CAN), Los Angeles, computer center, broadband access, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, WorkSouce Center, enterprise zone, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
				Funding to upgrade and expand computer centers in most vulnerable communities
				LOS ANGELES U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today, joined by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at the South Los Angeles WorkSource Center, announced a $7.5 million Recovery Act grant that will upgrade and expand 188 computer centers that provide the public with free broadband access to the Internet. The investment will help bridge the technological divide and improve access to job and computer training, and educational opportunities.
				The grant was awarded to the Los Angeles' Computer Access Network (L.A.-CAN). The L.A.-CAN project proposes to double the number of workstations available throughout the city at public computer centers in libraries, workforce centers and youth and family centers in low-income and non-English speaking communities. The majority of the 188 proposed centers would be located in or within three miles of federal- and state-designated "Enterprise Zones."
				"This critical investment will expand computer and Internet service access to Los Angeles residents most in need, helping to make them full participants in today's 21st century information economy," Locke said. "Having access to the Internet's economic, health and educational benefits should be as much of a fundamental American right as attending a quality school or feeling safe when you walk down the street."
				The project proposes to:
				Expand and upgrade free public computer centers at 73 public library locations, 43 WorkSource and OneSource job centers, and 72 recreation centers, senior centers and child care centers connecting 35 youth and senior centers to broadband Internet service for the first time.
				Expand broadband Internet access to vulnerable populations: 128 of the proposed centers are located in or near areas where 50 percent of the households are non-English speaking.
				Expand broadband Internet access to low-income communities: 158 of the proposed centers are located in areas where 50 percent of the households are at low- or moderate-income levels.
				Provide city residents with access to job and computer training and online search engines, including the library's recently-developed Job Hunting Guide.
				"I am so pleased to stand with Secretary Locke today as he announces this crucial funding for the L.A.-CAN Project which will help community centers, libraries, workforce and youth centers across Los Angeles upgrade and expand their computer centers and high speed Internet access, and support computer literacy and educational training programs," Senator Boxer said.
				"This grant represents the beginning of our commitment to use Recovery Act funds to broaden access to technology and close the digital divide," Congresswoman Waters said. "Many residents have not been able to afford broadband and thus do not have access to it, but the South Los Angeles WorkSource Center Community Centers Inc. and other public computing centers receiving funding will now make broadband available for free to our community."
				"With access to computers and broadband Internet that many of us take for granted, more Angelenos will have the opportunity to use the tools of the 21st century to get the jobs of the 21st century," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "With this ARRA funding, we will take another step towards bridging the digital divide and getting the hard-working people of Los Angeles back to work."
				Last month, Vice President Biden announced award of the first grants and loans funded by the Recovery Act to expand access to and adoption of broadband service in America an initial investment of $183 million in 18 high-speed Internet projects benefiting 17 states. Today's

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 01/13/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100113_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-01-19T13:05:42Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN 10 STATES	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BBmapping_10states_011210.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) announced grants awarded to ten more states to fund broadband mapping and planning activities. The following states will receive funding: Connecticut, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN 10 STATES	12-Jan-10	National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Connecticut, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, broadband mapping, broadband access, broadband planning, grants.
				Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services
				For Immediate Release: January 12, 2009
				Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Connecticut, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.
				NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. NTIA has now awarded 51 grants totaling approximately $97 million under the program, including today's announcement, and the agency expects to finish announcing awards under this program in early 2010.
				"Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning. Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "We have now awarded all but five of the grants in the program and will continue to work with the remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens."
				Connecticut: NTIA has awarded the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Connecticut, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Department of Public Utility Control is the designated entity for the state of Connecticut.
				Hawaii: NTIA has awarded Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Hawaii, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.9 million. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is the designated entity for the state of Hawaii.
				Kentucky: NTIA has awarded the Commonwealth Office of Technology approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Kentucky, bringing the total grant award to nearly $2.1 million. The Office of Technology is the designated entity for the state of Kentucky.
				Maine: NTIA has awarded the ConnectME Authority approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $440,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Maine, bringing the total grant award to nearly $1.8 million. The ConnectME Authority is the designated entity for the state of Maine.
				Mississippi: NTIA has awarded the Mississippi Office of the Governor approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Mississippi, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million. The Office of the Governor is the designated entity for the state of Mississippi.
				Nebraska: NTIA has awarded the Nebraska Public Service Commission approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Nebraska, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. The Public Service Commission is the designated entity for the state of Nebraska.
				New Mexico: NTIA has awarded the New Mexico Department of Information Technology approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in New Mexico, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.9 million. The Department of Information Technology is the designated entity for the state of New Mexico.
				Oklahoma: NTIA has awarded the Oklahoma Office of State Finance approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Oklahoma, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. The Office of State Finance is the designated entity for the state of Oklahoma.
				Pennsylvania: NTIA has awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development approximately $1.7 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Pennsylvania, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.2 million. The Department of Community and Economic Development is the designated entity for the state of Pennsylvania.
				Texas: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $2.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Texas, bringing the total grant award to approximately $3 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Texas.
				NTIA carefully evaluates each application to determine whether the applicant directly represents the interests of the state. This state-applicant connection is especially critical in the context of the broadband planning activities that NTIA considers the responsibility of the state. The State of Texas is providing direction and supervision to the planning activities that will be undertaken by its designated entity, which is a non-state government entity, to ensure that planning funds are used to address the specific needs of the state.
				Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
				The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.
				All awardees, except the Territorial governments in Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 01/11/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100111_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-01-11T15:58:49Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NIST Awards $123 Million in Recovery Act Grants To Construct New Research Facilities	http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/20100108_cgp_awards.htm	Press Release	The U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary Gary Locke and the National Institute of Standards and Technology announced $123 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants to support the construction of scientific research facilities. The research facilities, will study off-shore wind power, coral reef ecology, quantum physics and nanotechnology, will reside at 11 universities and one non-profit organization.	NIST Awards $123 Million in Recovery Act Grants To Construct New Research Facilities	8-Jan-10	U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary Gary Locke, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), grants, scientific research facilities, off-shore wind power, coral reef ecology, quantum physics, nanotechnology, create jobs, shovel ready, University of Pittsburgh, Nova Southeastern University, University of Maine, University of Kansas Center for Research, University of Kentucky, Perdue University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, University of Maryland, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, University of Nebraska, Georgetown University, Columbia University.
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT: Michael Baum
				8-Jan-10	(301) 975-2763
					baum@nist.gov
				GAITHERSBURG, Md. The U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) today awarded more than $123 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants to support the construction of new scientific research facilities at 11 universities and one non-profit research organization.
				With ultimate research targets ranging from off-shore wind power and coral reef ecology to quantum physics and nanotechnology, the 12 projects will launch more than $250 million in new laboratory construction projects beginning early this year.
				"These awards will create jobs by helping to fund 12 major, shovel-ready construction projects," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "These new, state-of-the-art facilities will help keep the United States at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation and will support economic growth."
				The 12 construction project awards, the result of a competition announced by NIST last May, include:
				$15 million to the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pa.) for new laboratories for nanoscience and experimental physics,
				$15 million to Nova Southeastern University Inc. (Fort Lauderdale-Davis, Fla.) for a Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystem Science research facility,
				$12.4 million to the University of Maine (Orono, Me.) for an Advanced Nanocomposites in Renewable Energy Laboratory,
				$12.3 million to the University of Kansas Center for Research (Lawrence, Kan.) for the new Measurement, Materials and Sustainable Environment Center (M2SEC),
				$11.8 million to the University of Kentucky (Lexington, Ky.) for an expansion of the Center for Applied Energy Research Laboratory,
				$11.8 million to Purdue University (West Lafayette, Ind.) for a Center for High Performance Buildings at the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories,
				$11.6 million to the Georgia Tech Research Corporation (Atlanta, Ga.) for a pilot-scale laboratory for carbon-neutral energy solutions,
				$10.3 million to the University of Maryland (College Park, Md.) for a laboratory for advanced quantum science in the school's new Physical Sciences Complex,
				$8.1 million to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Barnstable, Mass.) for the Laboratory for Ocean Sensors and Observing Systems (LOSOS),
				$6.9 million to the University of Nebraska Lincoln (Lincoln, Neb.) for a nanoscience metrology facility,
				$6.9 million to Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) for The Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology, and
				$1.4 million to Columbia University (New York, N.Y.) for an ultraclean geochemistry laboratory at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
				In addition to satisfying the core objectives of the Recovery Act creating and saving jobs and investment in infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits the projects were chosen on the basis of the scientific and technical merit of the proposals, the need for federal funding, design quality and suitability for the intended purpose, and the strength of the project-management plan.
				The new facilities also support research goals of the Commerce Department, NIST and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the study of advanced materials, coral reefs, hurricanes, quantum physics, nanoscience and metrology.
				As a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
				Information on other NIST activities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is available on the Web at www.nist.gov/recovery.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 01/08/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100108_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-01-11T15:58:27Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AND USDA'S RUS ANNOUNCE ONLINE TOOL FOR PROSPECTIVE BROADBAND STIMULUS APPLICANTS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2010/BBMatch_20100107.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced the launch of a new online tool. BroadbandMatch (http://match.broadbandusa.gov), the new online tool, facilitates partnerships for prospective applicants applying for broadband grant and loan programs. The grant and loam programs are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AND USDA'S RUS ANNOUNCE ONLINE TOOL FOR PROSPECTIVE BROADBAND STIMULUS APPLICANTS	7-Jan-10	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), BroadbandMatch, online tool, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), create jobs, economic growth, broadband projects, community institutions, match.broadbandusa.gov, Department of Commerce.
				"BroadbandMatch" Intended to Help Prospective Applicants for Recovery Act Funding Find Broadband Project Partners
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2010
				NTIA Media Contact: USDA Media Contact:
				Jessica Schafer Bartel Kendrick
				202-482-5670 202-379-8400
				WASHINGTON The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) today announced the launch of BroadbandMatch, a new online tool to facilitate partnerships among prospective applicants to the agencies' broadband grant and loan programs. The programs, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, are intended to expand broadband access and adoption in America, helping to bridge the digital divide, create jobs, and stimulate long-term economic growth.
				BroadbandMatch at http://match.broadbandusa.gov allows potential applicants to find partners for broadband projects, helping them to combine expertise and create stronger proposals. For example, a broadband infrastructure provider might partner with community institutions, like universities, hospitals, or libraries, on a proposal to bring high-speed Internet service to their facilities. Any company, nonprofit, state or local government or expert individual interested in applying for funding under NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) or RUS's Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) can post a profile, including key information about the contribution they can make to a broadband project, as well as search for other stakeholders whose skills and resources match their needs.
				"In the first funding round, many applicants wanted to form partnerships but didn't know how best to locate other organizations with similar aims and complementary resources," said NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "BroadbandMatch is a tool to help stakeholders collaborate, which can spur the highest caliber, most effective proposals for this crucial Recovery Act funding."
				"It's like a matchmaking service where interested parties can discover each other to pursue their mutual interests," said RUS Administrator Jonathan S. Adelstein. "It will help in locating community partners and establishing new relationships that will foster better broadband service in areas of the country that really need it."
				RUS and NTIA plan to announce the rules for the final funding round of the BTOP and BIP programs in the coming weeks.
				BroadbandMatch is a component project in support of the Obama Administration's Open Government Initiative, undertaking to bring an innovative, open approach to the way the government operates. In launching BroadbandMatch, NTIA and RUS are joining agencies across the government in retooling their approach to conducting business, to increase transparency, public participation, and collaboration.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 01/04/2010 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20100104_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-01-05T15:08:03Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN IOWA, MONTANA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, UTAH, AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BBMapping_IAMTNHUTVI_091231.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities as part of the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The five states announced are: Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NTIA has awarded 41 grants under this program and expects to finish announcing awards under this program in early 2010. This program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN IOWA, MONTANA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, UTAH, AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS	31-Dec-09	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, mapping.
				Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services
				For Immediate Release: December 31, 2009
				Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, and the U.S. Virgin Islands under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.
				NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. NTIA has now awarded 41 grants totaling approximately $78 million under the program, including today's announcement, and the agency expects to finish announcing awards under this program in early 2010.
				"Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning. Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "We have now awarded the majority of the grants in the program and will continue to work with the remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens."
				Iowa: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.7 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Iowa, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.2 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Iowa.
				Montana: NTIA has awarded the Montana Department of Commerce nearly $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Montana, bringing the total grant award to more than $2 million. The Montana Department of Commerce is the designated entity for the state of Montana.
				New Hampshire: NTIA has awarded the University of New Hampshire (UNH) approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in New Hampshire, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. UNH is the designated entity for the state of New Hampshire.
				Utah: NTIA has awarded the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a four-year period in Utah, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million. The Utah PSC is the designated entity for the state of Utah.
				U.S. Virgin Islands: NTIA has awarded the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) approximately $830,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $460,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in the U.S. Virgin Islands, bringing the total grant award to nearly $1.3 million. The OEO is the designated entity for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
				NTIA carefully evaluates each application to determine whether the applicant directly represents the interests of the state. This state-applicant connection is especially critical in the context of the broadband planning activities that NTIA considers the responsibility of the state. The State of Iowa is providing direction and supervision to the planning activities that will be undertaken by its designated entity, which is a non-state government entity, to ensure that planning funds are used to address the specific needs of the state.
				Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
				The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.
				All awardees, except the Territorial governments in Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.
				U.S. Department of Commerce's NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy. For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov .

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 12/29/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20091229_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2010-01-05T15:07:15Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Commerce Department's NTIA Awards 15 Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BBMapping_15states_091222.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced 15 grant awards under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The 15 states that will receive awards are: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. The funding for this grant program was made possible under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	Press Release: Commerce Department's NTIA Awards 15 Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning	22-Dec-09	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, internet services, broadband planning, state-wide broadband map, economic recovery, broadband mapping
				Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services
				For Immediate Release: December 22, 2009
				Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded 15 grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.
				NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. Twenty-one grants have previously been announced under this program and the agency expects to continue announcing awards over the coming weeks.
				"Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning. Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "We've now awarded more than half the grants and will continue to work with remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens."
				Arizona: NTIA has awarded the Arizona Government Information Technology Agency (GITA) approximately$1.8 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a three-year period in Arizona, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.3 million. GITA is the designated entity for the state of Arizona.
				Florida: NTIA has awarded the Florida Department of Management Services approximately $2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Florida, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.5 million. The Florida Department of Management Services is the designated entity for the state of Florida.
				Georgia: NTIA has awarded the Georgia Technology Authority approximately $1.7 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Georgia, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.2 million. The Georgia Technology Authority is the designated entity for the state of Georgia.
				Illinois: NTIA has awarded the Partnership for a Connected Illinois approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Illinois, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Partnership for a Connected Illinois is the designated entity for the state of Illinois.
				Michigan: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Michigan, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Michigan.
				Minnesota: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Minnesota, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Minnesota.
				Nevada: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $930,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Nevada, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.4 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Nevada.
				North Dakota: NTIA has awarded the North Dakota Information Technology Department (ITD) approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $300,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in North Dakota, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.6 million. ITD is the designated entity for the state of North Dakota.
				Ohio: NTIA has awarded the Ohio Office of Information Technology approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Ohio, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Ohio Office of Information Technology is the designated entity for the state of Ohio.
				Oregon: NTIA has awarded the Oregon Public Utilities Commission approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Oregon, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. The Oregon Public Utilities Commission is the designated entity for the state of Oregon.
				Puerto Rico: NTIA has awarded the Puerto Rico Office of the Chief Information Officer approximately $925,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Puerto Rico, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.4 million. The Puerto Rico Office of the Chief Information Officer is the designated entity for the territory of Puerto Rico.
				Rhode Island: NTIA has awarded the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) approximately $1 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Rhode Island, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.5 million. RIEDC is the designated entity for the state of Rhode Island.
				South Carolina: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in South Carolina, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of South Carolina.
				South Dakota: NTIA has awarded the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in South Dakota, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.9 million. The South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications is the designated entity for the state of South Dakota.
				Tennessee: NTIA has awarded Connected Tennessee approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Tennessee, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. Connected Tennessee is the designated entity for the state of Tennessee.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 12/01/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20091201_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-12-05T16:38:04Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN ALASKA, COLORADO, DELAWARE, KANSAS, LOUISIANA AND MISSOURI	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BBMappinggrants_AKCODEKSLAMO_091130.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced six grant awards under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The six states that will receive awards are: Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri. The state grants will increase broadband access and adoption. The funding for this grant program was made possible under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN ALASKA, COLORADO, DELAWARE, KANSAS, LOUISIANA AND MISSOURI	30-Nov-09	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, mapping, Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, broadband access, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), internet service, grants, Department of Commerce.
				Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jessica Schafer 202-482-5670
				November 30, 2009 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.
				NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. Fifteen grants have already been announced under this program, and the agency will continue to announce awards over the coming weeks.
				"This program will advance efforts to expand broadband access and adoption nationwide, which is vital to job creation and economic recovery," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "NTIA will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects, so that all states and territories can soon participate in this initiative."
				Alaska: NTIA has awarded the Denali Commission approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Alaska, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.9 million. The Denali Commission, an independent federal agency, is the designated entity for the state of Alaska.
				Colorado: NTIA has awarded the Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT) approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Colorado, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. OIT is the designated entity for the state of Colorado.
				Delaware: NTIA has awarded the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) approximately $1.1 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $470,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Delaware, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.5 million. DTI is the designated entity for the state of Delaware.
				Kansas: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a three-year period in Kansas, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million. Connected Nation, a non-profit organization, is the designated entity for the state of Kansas, however the state of Kansas will direct and implement all planning activities.
				Louisiana: NTIA has awarded the Louisiana Division of Administration, Office of Information Technology (OIT) approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Louisiana, bringing the total grant award to almost $1.7 million. OIT is the designated entity for the state of Louisiana.
				Missouri: NTIA has awarded the Missouri Office of Administration (MOA) approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $470,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Missouri, bringing the total grant award to almost $2 million. MOA is the designated entity for the state of Missouri.
				Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
				The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.
				Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.
				U.S. Department of Commerce's NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy. For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 11/10/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20091110_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-11-25T01:56:30Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Agencies Plan to Consolidate Final Two Funding Rounds,	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_BIP_RFI_091110.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced that they will award the remaining funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act broadband grant program in just one more round. The first round produced almost 2,200 applications for proposed broadband projects. Initially the broadband grants were to be awarded in three rounds. By consolidating the funding into just one more round, it will increase efficiency and better accommodate applicants.	NTIA AND RUS STREAMLINE PROGRAMS TO BRING BROADBAND, JOBS TO MORE AMERICANS	10-Nov-09	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, broadband grants, broadband projects, broadband, BTOP, BIP, Department of Commerce, broadband access, Request for Information (RIF), new jobs, economy, comments, streamline program.
Seek Comment on Program Enhancements
				Agencies Plan to Consolidate Final Two Funding Rounds,
				Seek Comment on Program Enhancements
				For Immediate Release: November 10, 2009
				NTIA Media Contact: USDA Media Contact:
				Jessica Schafer Bartel Kendrick
				202-482-5670 202-379-8400
				or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced they are streamlining the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's broadband grant and loan programs by awarding the remaining funding in just one more round, instead of two rounds, to increase efficiency and better accommodate applicants.
				RUS's Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) are intended to expand broadband access and adoption in America, advancing the goals of the Recovery Act by creating jobs and stimulating long-term economic growth and opportunity. The first round of these grant and loan programs produced about 2,200 applications requesting nearly $28 billion in funding almost seven times the amount of funding available in that round for proposed broadband projects reaching all 50 U.S. states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia. The agencies are currently reviewing these applications and expect to award up to $4 billion in loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations in this round. The agencies expect to begin announcing funding awards in December 2009.
				"Based on our experience with the first funding round, including the overwhelming response we've seen from applicants nationwide, we believe this consolidated approach brings a number of benefits," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator of NTIA.
				"This will get the funds out the door faster to stimulate the economy and create jobs. It gives applicants and communities a greater opportunity to come together to form networks and find more creative ways to connect to the global economy through broadband," said Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA. "We are listening to applicants, reviewing applications received, and all indications suggest a need to revisit the application process. We will consider changes in the next NOFA to make the process more applicant friendly' from beginning to end."
				The agencies also announced they are seeking public comment on how best to administer the second round of funding for the programs in order to improve the applicant experience and maximize the ability of the programs to meet Recovery Act objectives.
				"Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide us with well-informed feedback on how the first round worked for applicants, the agencies will be able to make improvements to the process, and potential applicants will gain more time to form partnerships and create stronger project proposals. Ultimately, this approach can help us run the programs with increased efficiency and produce better results for the American public," Strickling said.
				In a Request for Information (RFI) released today, the agencies are seeking feedback on procedural and policy aspects of BIP and BTOP. While inviting general input on the programs, the agencies identified specific areas for comment.
				In terms of procedural matters, for example, the RFI seeks input on ways to streamline the application process while still ensuring that the agencies obtain the information necessary to make awards in accordance with statutory requirements. The RFI also asks whether the agencies can better balance the public's interest in transparency and openness with stakeholders' legitimate interest in maintaining the confidentiality of proprietary data.
				Among policy matters raised, the RFI seeks comment on how to best target the remaining funds to achieve the goals of the Recovery Act. Commenters proposing a more targeted approach are asked to quantify the impact of their proposal based on metrics such as the number of end users or community anchor institutions connecting to service, the number of new jobs created, and the projected increase in broadband adoption rates. The RFI asks whether to focus second round funding on projects that create "comprehensive communities" by installing high capacity middle mile facilities between anchor institutions that bring essential health, medical, and educational services to citizens. The RFI also invites input on various other issues, including whether the definition of "remote area," which is used to determine grant eligibility under BIP, is too restrictive, how the agencies can best ensure that investments are cost effective, and ways the programs might impact regional economic development and stability.
				RUS and NTIA will utilize the feedback received in response to the RFI to set the rules for the second funding round, which the agencies expect to announce through a Notice of Funds Availability early next year.
				The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and RUS to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will use $2.5 billion in budget authority to support grants and loans to facilitate broadband deployment in primarily rural communities.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 11/09/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20091109_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-11-10T12:27:18Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN ALABAMA, IDAHO, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BBMappinggrants_091106.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced seven grant awards under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The seven states that will receive awards are: Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The first eight grants for this program were announced last month and it is expected that grant awards will continue on a rolling basis. The funding for this grant program was made possible under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN ALABAMA, IDAHO, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING	6-Nov-09	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, internet services, broadband planning, state-wide broadband map, economic recovery, broadband mapping.
Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services				Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services
				For Immediate Release: November 6, 2009
				Contact: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.
				NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. The first eight grants under this program were announced last month and the agency expects to continue announcing awards on a rolling basis throughout the fall.
				"This program will advance efforts to expand broadband access and adoption nationwide, which is vital to job creation and economic recovery," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "NTIA will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects, so that all states and territories can soon participate in this initiative."
				Alabama: NTIA has awarded the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $463,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Alabama, bringing the total grant award to almost $1.9 million. ADECA the designated entity for the state of Alabama.
				Idaho: NTIA has awarded the Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $492,000 for broadband planning activities over a three-year period in Idaho, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, a private nonprofit center, is the designated entity for the state of Idaho.
				Maryland: NTIA has awarded the Maryland Broadband Cooperative Inc. (MDBC) approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $480,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Maryland, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million. MDBC is the designated entity for the state of Maryland.
				Massachusetts: NTIA has awarded the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) over $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Massachusetts, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million. MBI is the designated entity for the state of Massachusetts.
				Washington: NTIA has awarded the Washington State Department of Information Services (DIS) approximately $1.7 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Washington, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.2 million. DIS is the designated entity for the state of Washington.
				Wisconsin: NTIA has awarded the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $485,000 for broadband planning activities over a three-year period in Wisconsin, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. PSC is the designated entity for the state of Wisconsin.
				Wyoming: NTIA has awarded the Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a three-year period in Idaho, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is the designated entity for the state of Wyoming.
				NTIA carefully evaluates each application to determine whether the applicant directly represents the interests of the state. This state-applicant connection is especially critical in the context of the broadband planning activities that NTIA considers the responsibility of the state. The States of Wyoming and Idaho are providing direction and supervision to the planning activities that will be undertaken by their designated entity, which is a non-state government entity, to ensure that planning funds are used to address the specific needs of the state.
				Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
				The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.
				Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.
				U.S. Department of Commerce's NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy. For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 10/26/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20091026_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-10-27T14:32:15Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS $ 1.4 MILLION GRANT FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN WEST VIRGINIA	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_MappingWVgrant_20091023.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it awarded $1.4 million to the state of West Virginia, to fund the State Broadband Data Mapping Grant Program. The funding for this grant program was made possible under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S NTIA AWARDS $ 1.4 MILLION GRANT FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN WEST VIRGINIA	23-Oct-09	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), broadband access, broadband planning, jobs, economy, West Virginia, U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary Gary Locke.
Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services				Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2009
				CONTACT: Jessica Schafer 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.
				WASHINGTON - The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded a grant of approximately $1.4 million to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in West Virginia under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.
				"Broadband access is the gateway to the modern economy and a key factor in bringing jobs to more Americans. This program will further efforts to increase broadband deployment and adoption in West Virginia and nationwide, helping to chart the course for sustained economic recovery," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said.
				NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. The first four grants under this program were announced earlier this month and the agency expects to continue announcing awards on a rolling basis throughout the fall.
				NTIA has awarded the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey (GES) approximately $1.2 million to collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community. In addition, the GES will receive $185,000 for the cost of broadband planning activities in West Virginia over two years, bringing its grant award total to approximately $1.4 million.
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
				The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.
				Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 10/06/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20091006_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-10-06T19:34:15Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NTIA Announces First State Broadband Mapping Grants	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_MappingAwards_091005.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the first four grant awards under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The first four states to receive awards are: California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont. The funding for this grant program was made possible under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).	NTIA Announces First State Broadband Mapping Grants	5-Oct-09	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), mapping, California, Indiana, North Carolina, Vermont, grant awards, broadband access, job creation, Lawrence Strickling, awards, U.S. Department of Commerce, data, broadband service.
				Recovery Act Funding to Provide Policymakers and Consumers with Improved Data on Internet Service in California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont
				For Immediate Release: October 5, 2009
				Contact: Mark Tolbert, 202-482-8176 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded the first four grants under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program to fund activities in California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.
				"Broadband will bring many benefits to the Nation, such as job creation and innovation, but these benefits have been delayed by the lack of comprehensive, reliable data on the availability of broadband service," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "This program addresses an important need and will provide a valuable tool in bringing broadband and jobs to more Americans."
				NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. The agency is currently reviewing the remaining 52 applications and expects to continue announcing awards on a rolling basis throughout the fall.
				A summary of the four awards announced today is as follows:
				The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is awarded approximately $1.8 million; the Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) is awarded approximately $1.3 million; the Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. (e-NC Authority) is awarded approximately $1.6 million; and the Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI) is awarded approximately $1.2 million to collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the states of California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont, respectively. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with initial data coming available in November 2009 to inform broadband policy efforts. Awardees are to present the data in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.
				The CPUC is also awarded $500,000 for the cost of broadband planning activities in California over four years, bringing its grant award total to approximately $2.3 million. In addition, the e-NC Authority is awarded approximately $435,000 for the cost of broadband planning activities in North Carolina over five years, bringing its grant award total to over $2 million.
				"The four award recipients submitted well-formed proposals that are both fiscally prudent and serve as a model for others," Strickling added. "We are committed to making the program succeed nationwide and will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects."
				NTIA noted that the four award recipients submitted grant applications that met or exceeded program requirements in all areas. For example:
				Data Collection: While all four recipients plan to collect data directly from broadband providers, each also described plans to collect or utilize data from other sources. Examples include wireless propagation models, speed tests, online and field surveys, and drive testing. Recipients also plan to use existing datasets that were developed for other purposes but are valuable for broadband mapping, including orthophotography, parcel maps, and E911 datasets.
				Verification: The recipients will use multiple verification methods, and each also plans to use independent verifiers to conduct data verification work.
				Collaboration: Recipients demonstrated that the relevant state agencies are committed to the success of the project and plan to be actively engaged in its leadership. Each recipient is collaborating with other state partners, resulting in plans that are unique to each state's needs and capabilities. In addition, while current Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and/or broadband resources vary by state, recipients described how their projects will integrate and leverage existing capacity.
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
				The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.
				Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.
				U.S. Department of Commerce's NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy. For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/30/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090930_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-30T19:24:36Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Announces $1.2 Million Recovery Act Contract to Repair Milford Laboratory	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090929_milford.html	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $1.2 million contract to W.S. Anderson, from Brocton, MA. The funds will be used for repairs and modernization of the fisheries laboratory in Milford, CT. The Milford Laboratory conducts research that helps sustain the commercial and recreational fishing and shellfish industries.	NOAA Announces $1.2 Million Recovery Act Contract to Repair Milford Laboratory	29-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), W.S. Anderson, Brocton, MA, Milford, CT, Milford Laboratory, shellfish, fishing, create jobs, Long Island Sound, fisheries, science center, habitats.
				29-Sep-09
				NOAA announced a $1.2 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract to W.S. Anderson, Incorporated from Brockton, Mass., for repair and modernization of the agency's marine fisheries laboratory in Milford, Conn. This Recovery Act-funded project is expected to grow the economy and create jobs in Brockton.
				"The Milford Laboratory supports NOAA's ecosystem-based research mission in the northeast, and provides valuable research and science-based information to help sustain the commercial and recreational fishing and shellfish industries," said William Broglie, NOAA's chief administrative officer. "The Recovery Act funds will help make long-needed enhancements to the laboratory's aging infrastructure; improve the efficiency of the lab's heating, ventilation and cooling systems; and positively affects our employees and the local economy."
				The project, which is expected to be completed by July 2010, will improve energy efficiency, replace aged elevator and roof systems, and improve life/safety issues in the laboratory. The facilities at the Milford laboratory include a 4,800 square foot structure, dating back to 1940, and a 28,000 square foot laboratory-office building that was completed in 1966. The two buildings house 30 laboratories and offices.
				The Milford Laboratory is located on the shore of Long Island Sound and is part of NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Research conducted at the facility emphasizes marine aquaculture for both commercial use and stock enhancement, including studies of fish and shelfish diseases, feeding and growth of marine species, and the functions of nearshore ecosystems. The integrated aquaculture program includes studies of the culture of fish and shellfish to develop methods suitable for commercial use as well as for stock enhancement and restoration. Nearshore habitats are being studied to determine what characteristics make a habitat suitable for a particular species.
				NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment; from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/30/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090930_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-30T19:24:16Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Announces $1.3 Million Recovery Act Contract to Repair Galveston Laboratory	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090929_galveston.html	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $1.3 million contract to Complete Building Corporation from Charleston, SC. The funds will be used to repair the NOAA Galveston Laboratory that was damaged during Hurricane Ike in 2008. The Galveston Laboratory provides scientific research and is the only federal facility dedicated to the captive rearing of sea turtles.	NOAA Announces $1.3 Million Recovery Act Contract to Repair Galveston Laboratory	29-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Complete Building Corporation, Charleston, SC, Hurricane Ike, Galveston Laboratory, shellfish, finfish, conservation, sea turtles, create jobs, economy, scientific information.
				29-Sep-09
				NOAA announced a $1.3 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract to Complete Building Corporation from Charleston, S.C. to repair and replace parts of the NOAA Galveston laboratory that were damaged in Hurricane Ike in September 2008.
				The project, which is expected to be concluded by October 2010, will build a new NOAA Marine Mammal Stranding Network Building to replace the structure that was completely destroyed by the hurricane.
				"This project allows us to take another step towards full restoration of our Galveston facility so seriously damaged by Hurricane Ike," said William Broglie, NOAA's Chief Administrative Officer, who is responsible for NOAA's facility program. "This Recovery Act funded project will allow NOAA to continue its critical research and conservation efforts in the Gulf, including protection of threatened and endangered marine species."
				The Galveston Laboratory is part of the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center and provides scientific information on the management of commercial and recreational shellfish and finfish, conservation of coastal habitats, and protection of threatened and endangered marine species of the Gulf of Mexico.
				The laboratory conducts research on sea turtles, including the highly endangered Kemp's Riley sea turtle, and is the only federal facility in the nation dedicated to the captive rearing of sea turtles. The NOAA supported marine mammal stranding network not only rehabilitates marine mammals, but supports critical research at the laboratory.
				NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment; from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (12) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_12:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:53:25Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Announces $13.1 Million Contract to Vigor Marine to Repair Survey Ship	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090924_rainier.html	Press Release	As part of funding received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) survey vessel, Rainier, will undergo major repairs and upgrades. This project is schedule to last one year and will being this fall. NOAA has awarded a contract to Vigor Marine, in Portland, Oregon to perform the repairs.	NOAA Announces $13.1 Million Contract to Vigor Marine to Repair Survey Ship	24-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Portland, Oregon, Vigor Marine LLC, Rainier, survey vessel, jobs, economy, ship repairs, Seattle, Washington, hydrographic survey.
				24-Sep-09
				NOAA Ship Rainier.
				High resolution (Credit: NOAA)
				NOAA has awarded a $13.1 million contract to Vigor Marine, LLC, in Portland, Ore., to perform major repairs and upgrades to the NOAA hydrographic survey vessel Rainier.
				The year-long project, which received $7 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will start this fall and includes structural repairs to the ship; installation of updated hydrographic survey systems; replacement of davits and other deck machinery; refitting of living and berthing spaces; upgrades to machinery control systems, power generation machinery and the ship's steering system; and general maintenance and preservation work. The project is part of NOAA's effort to modernize the agency's fleet.
				"This project will extend the service life of the NOAA Ship Rainier, create jobs and help the economy," said Rear Adm. Jonathan W. Bailey, director of NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Corps. "This vessel is one of the world's most productive hydrographic survey vessels and will play a major role in helping NOAA support safe and efficient navigation."
				The 231-ft. Rainier has been surveying the U.S. Pacific coast since 1968 in support of NOAA's nautical charting program. The ship's sophisticated seafloor mapping systems allow researchers to gather detailed information about the ocean bottom, including potential hazards to navigation. Rainier carries six 30-ft. aluminum survey launches and two 19-ft. skiffs that allow for surveys of shallow, near-shore waters.
				Rainier's recent projects include a survey of uncharted waters in Alaska's Pavlof Islands, approximately 350 nautical miles southwest of Kodiak Island, and a joint project in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, with the NOAA Ship Fairweather, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and other state and local laboratories and reserves. Rainier supported the study of local fishery habitats and acquired data needed to update nautical charts for the area.
				Homeported in Seattle, Wash., Rainier is operated by the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
				NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment; from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (11) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_11:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:53:09Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA and Partners Gather at Hunt's Mill Dam to Celebrate $3 Million Rhode Island River Restoration Projects	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090924_rirestoration.html	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the Hunt's Mill Dam on the Ten Mile River in East Providence, Rhode Island will receive $3 million. This will create good local jobs as well as restore and rebuild important fish populations. The restoration of the fish habitats is vital to Northeast coastal communities as they provided both economic and ecological benefits.	NOAA and Partners Gather at Hunt's Mill Dam to Celebrate $3 Million Rhode Island River Restoration Projects	24-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Hunt's Mill Dam, Ten Mile River, East Providence, Rhode Island, Rhode Island River Ecosystem Restoration, create jobs, economy, fish, habitats, blueback herring, alewives, American shad, Pawcatuck rivers, migratory passage, ladders, fisherman.
				24-Sep-09
				Hunt's Mills Dam on the Ten Mile River in East Providence, R.I.
				High resolution (Credit: NOAA)
				NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco joined today with federal, state and local officials and volunteers at Hunt's Mills Dam on the Ten Mile River in East Providence, R.I., to celebrate a $3 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act project, restoring a migratory fish passage that will eventually accommodate 400,000 herring and shad along both the Ten Mile and Pawcatuck rivers.
				"The Rhode Island River Ecosystem Restoration project creates good local jobs removing dams and building the ladders that will restore important fish habitat and rebuild their populations," said Lubchenco, as she stood at the dam site. "This project is part of a major effort along the East Coast by federal, state, and local partners to bring back blueback herring, alewives, and American shad, which have been so important, both economically and ecologically, to coastal communities in the Northeast since Colonial times. Not only do they support local fisheries, but they are very important as prey for other fish, birds, and other animals. Their annual migrations are welcome signs of spring."
				The Ten Mile River project has brought together a diverse partnership that includes the state's Department of Environmental Management, the Army Corps of Engineers, the state's Coastal Resource Management Council, Save the Bay, the city of East Providence, the Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ten Mile River Watershed Council. A similar partnership is working to remove two dams and build a fish ladder along the Pawcatuck River in the southern part of the state.
				"The public has been waiting more than 30 years to see this herring run restored, and in that time fishermen have kept the run alive by lifting fish over the dam every spring, so they could spawn in the Ten Mile River," said Keith Gonsalves, president of the Ten Mile River Watershed Council. "We look forward to the day the ladders are complete and we are put out of business. No longer will we have to lift the fish over the dam by hand. Instead, we can gather to see thousands of fish swim up the ladders."
				"The three fish ladders along Ten Mile River will allow migrating herring and shad to swim from Narragansett Bay up this river and into Turner Reservoir to spawn," said Col. Philip T. Feir, of the Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, which will have invested $2.8 million in recent years in this project. "The fish ladders will be concrete waterways with wooden baffles that would allow fish to swim to their natural spawning habit."
				W. Michael Sullivan, Ph.D., the director of Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management, said both river restoration projects will restore fish habitat for an estimated 400,000 river herring, while also improving the overall ecosystems of the rivers. "This project is important for fish and wildlife and also improves these rivers for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, hiking and birdwatching," Sullivan said. "The Ocean State depends on healthy coastal ecosystems for its own residents and to attract tourists to our beautiful state."
				The Rhode Island River Ecosystem project is one of 50 high quality, high priority projects funded by the Obama Administration's Recovery Act to restore the nation's coastal habitat and jumpstart the nation's economy. NOAA selected these 50 projects from a pool of 814 proposals, totaling more than $3 billion in requests, demonstrating the high level of interest in coastal states to restore habitat. In addition to improving the environment and creating jobs, these projects will assist recreational and commercial fishing and support more resilient coasts in the face of climate change.
				For more information on funded projects nationwide, go to the NOAA Recovery Act Web site. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the Web site, which includes an interactive online map that enables the public to track where and how NOAA recovery funds are spent.
				NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (10) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_10:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:52:48Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $6.4 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Wheeling, West Virginia	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRWhellingWVA092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $6.4 million to the Ohio County Development Authority in Wheeling, West Virginia. The grant will be used at the Highlands development site to improve the water system.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $6.4 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Wheeling, West Virginia	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Ohio County Development Authority, Wheeling, West Virginia, The Highlands, commercial development, water improvements, new jobs, Robert C. Byrd, clean water, economic development, economy, construction, Senator Jay Rockefeller.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $6.4 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Ohio County Development Authority in Wheeling, W.Va., to make water system improvements to serve commercial development at The Highlands development site. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by making the critical water infrastructure improvements needed to attract new business and industrial development to the Ohio County region."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"This funding is a desperately-needed investment in clean water systems that puts construction contractors and their employees back to work and helps to improve the quality of life for those in the impacted areas as well as providing for new economic development opportunities as a result of this investment of ARRA funds," U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd said.
				"Wheeling like so many areas across West Virginia has felt the challenges of troubling economic times this year, and this development funding comes at just the right time," U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller said. "These needed funds for water system improvements will help create new jobs, retain old jobs and help revitalize the local economy, and I will continue fighting to see this happen across our state."
				"This is terrific news for Ohio County," U.S. Rep. Alan B. Mollohan said. "This grant will create jobs in the short term and also help lay the groundwork for continued job growth in the years to come." Mollohan chairs the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Commerce Department.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (09) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_09:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:52:29Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.75 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Springfield, Missouri	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRSpringfieldMO092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2.75 million to Missouri State University. The grant will be used to help establish the Entrepreneurship and Business Development Center.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.75 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Springfield, Missouri	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, Entrepreneurship and Business Development Center, IDEA Commons urban research park, new jobs, investments, Senator Claire McCaskill.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.75 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., to help establish the Entrepreneurship and Business Development Center as part of the IDEA Commons urban research park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Springfield region by establishing a facility that will provide the critical office space and technical assistance needed to foster the growth of new entrepreneurial ventures."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"As we see more signs of economic recovery in America, it's more important than ever to ensure opportunities for revitalization continue to come to Missouri as well. This project aims to do just that by bringing jobs and new investments to the Springfield area," U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (08) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_08:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:52:15Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $4.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Santa Cruz, California	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRSantaCruzCA092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $4.7 million to the city of Santa Cruz Redevelopment Agency. The grant will be used to help renovate two buildings for use as a Digital Media Center business incubator.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $4.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Santa Cruz, California	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Santa Cruz, California, Santa Cruz Redevelopment Agency, Digital Media Center business incubator, Tanyard Building, Beam House, create new jobs, business incubator, Senator Barbara Boxer, economy, U.S. Rep. Sam Farr.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $4.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Santa Cruz (Calif.) Redevelopment Agency to help renovate the historic Tanyard Building and Beam House for use as a Digital Media Center business incubator. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Santa Cruz region by providing entrepreneurs in the digital media field with the space and technical assistance they need to grow and create new higher-skill, higher-wage job opportunities."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"I am so pleased that the Santa Cruz community will receive this grant to help create a business incubator," U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer said. This funding will create jobs and boost the region's economy, and it could not come at a more critical time."
				"It became clear at the beginning of the year that if we're going to pull our economy out of this slump, we have to start at the local level. Development grants like the one Santa Cruz is receiving through the Recovery Act are going to create the jobs and offer the capital that our communities need to really jumpstart a serious economic upturn," U.S. Rep. Sam Farr said.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (07) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_07:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:51:40Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Northern Vermont	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRNorthernVT092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $1.5 million to Northern Enterprises, Inc. of St. Albans, VT. The grant will be used to help build a food incubator facility to serve Northern Vermont.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Northern Vermont	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Northern Enterprises, Inc., St. Albans, VT, food incubator facility, Northern Vermont, create jobs, economy, agriculture-based, food-based, Senator Patrick Leahy, good jobs, Senator Bernie Sanders, entrepreneurial, Vermonters, U.S. Rep. Peter Welch.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Northern Enterprises, Inc., of St. Albans, Vt., to help build a food incubator facility to serve Northern Vermont. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by establishing a business incubator facility that will provide office space and technical assistance to grow food-related entrepreneurial ventures in Northern Vermont."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"This project will put people to work, putting shovels, hammers and saws in the hands of people in need of work. Most importantly, it will put people to work next year and for decades to come developing new small businesses, enhancing Vermont's agriculture-based and food-based economy, and providing new opportunities to entrepreneurial Vermonters," U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy said.
				U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders said, "This grant is another example of how the economic recovery package is helping Vermont and states across the country rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and in the process create millions of good-paying jobs."
				"This grant will provide a tremendous boost to entrepreneurial Northern Vermonters, support local agriculture and create jobs," said Rep. Peter Welch. "I'm pleased that these federal economic recovery dollars will be put to such good use."
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (06) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_06:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:51:13Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $4.33 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in North Country, New Hampshire	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRNorthCountryNH092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $4.33 million to North Country Council of Bethlehem and Grafton County Economic Development Council of Plymouth, New Hampshire. The grant will be used to expand the Dartmouth Regional Technology Center business incubator.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $4.33 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in North Country, New Hampshire	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), New Hampshire, North Country Council of Bethlehem, Grafton County Economic Development Council, Plymouth, New Hampshire, Dartmouth Regional Technology Center, business incubator, create jobs, economy, technology-oriented businesses.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $4.33 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the North Country Council of Bethlehem and the Grafton County Economic Development Council of Plymouth, N.H., to expand the Dartmouth Regional Technology Center business incubator. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by providing much needed space for technology-oriented businesses to develop and grow by expanding the highly successful Dartmouth Regional Technology Center business incubator."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (05) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_05:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:50:48Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Imperial County, California	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRImperialCA092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2.5 million to Imperial County and Heber Public Utility District in Heber, CA. The grant will be used to build infrastructure to support a major commercial development project.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Imperial County, California	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Imperial County, Heber Public Utility District, Heber, California, commercial development, Imperial Valley, water, sewer, roadway, infrastructure, Senator Barbara Boxer, create jobs, economy, U.S. Rep. Bob Filner.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Imperial County and the Heber Public Utility District in Heber, Calif., to build infrastructure to support a major commercial development project. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Imperial Valley region by building the critical water, sewer, and roadway infrastructure needed for the new Imperial Center multi-use commercial development project."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"I am so pleased that Imperial County will receive this grant, which will put people to work improving the infrastructure of their community," U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer said. This funding will create jobs and boost the region's economy, and it could not come at a more critical time."
				"I join the Obama Administration in their commitment to creating jobs and improving our country's economic competitiveness." U.S. Rep. Bob Filner said. "This grant provides my Imperial County constituents with much needed jobs and opportunities, and will build infrastructure to continue economic development, private investment and increase employment into the future!"
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (04) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_04:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:50:30Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $3.748 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Hardy County, West Virginia	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRHardyWVA092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $3.748 million to the Hardy County Public Service District in Moorefield, West Virginia. The grant will be used to help build a water treatment plant, water distribution line, and water storage tank.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $3.748 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Hardy County, West Virginia	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Hardy County Public Service District, Moorefield, West Virginia, Lost River Dam Site 10, Needmore, water storage tank, Baker Industrial and Business Park, create new jobs, Senator Robert C. Byrd, Hardy County, Senator Jay Rockefeller, water treatment, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $3.748 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Hardy County Public Service District in Moorefield, W.Va., to help build a water treatment plant at the Lost River Dam Site 10 near the community of Needmore and a water distribution line and water storage tank to serve the Baker Industrial and Business Park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by making the critical water infrastructure improvements needed to serve current and future business needs in the Hardy County region."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"This funding is a desperately-needed investment in clean water systems that puts construction contractors and their employees back to work and helps to improve the quality of life for those in the impacted areas as well as providing for new economic development opportunities as a result of this investment of ARRA funds," U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, who was instrumental in obtaining the initial federal funding for the construction of the Lost River Dam Site 10, said.
				"Hardy County like so many areas across West Virginia has felt the challenges of troubling economic times this year, and this development funding comes at just the right time," U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller said. "These needed funds for a water treatment plant will help create new jobs, retain old jobs and help revitalize the local economy, and I will continue fighting to see this happen across our state."
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (03) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_03:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:50:11Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $800,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Georgetown, Delaware	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRGeorgetownDE092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $800,000 to the Delaware Technical and Community College of Georgetown, Delaware. The grant will be used to help build the Green Building Technology and Alternative Energy Systems Training Center.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $800,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Georgetown, Delaware	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Delaware Technical and Community College, Georgetown, Delaware, Green Building Technology and Alternative Energy Systems Training Center, create jobs, installation, management, alternative energy, Senator Tom Carper, green jobs, energy efficient, economy, Senator Ted Kaufman, green technology, DelTech, Delawareans, economic recovery.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced an $800,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Delaware Technical and Community College of Georgetown, Del., to help build the Green Building Technology and Alternative Energy Systems Training Center. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in Delaware by building a green' jobs training center that will train workers to compete for jobs in the installation, management, and maintenance of alternative energy components."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"I support the Obama Administration's focus on green jobs that will help create new opportunities for Delawareans that will clean up our environment and stimulate economic growth," U.S. Sen. Tom Carper said. "Across our state and our nation, there are green jobs wherever there are buildings to be weatherized, solar panels to be installed and wind turbines to be built. I believe green jobs will help make America more competitive and energy efficient, while also helping our local economy recover and putting Delawareans back to work."
				"Delaware's innovative small business community has been at the forefront of green energy technology in many ways," U.S. Sen. Ted Kaufman said. "It's fitting that DelTech which does excellent work in preparing workers for all industries will now be able to lead the way in training a new green workforce to meet the increasing demand for alternative energy solutions across the state and nation. Stimulating economic growth in Delaware has been my priority from my first day as a United States Senator. Doing it while improving our environment is a prime example of the economic recovery package working for Delawareans."
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:49:43Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.45 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Chemung County, New York	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRChemungNY092209.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $1.45 million to the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency. The grant will be used along the Interstate 86 corridor to provide water, sewer, and road infrastructure.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.45 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Chemung County, New York	22-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Chemung, County, New York, Chemung County Industrial Development Agency, road, water, I-86, sewer, infrastructure, create jobs, Senator Chuck Schumer, construction, industrial-zoned land, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, economy, U.S. Rep. Eric Massa.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.45 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency and Chemung County, N.Y., to provide water, sewer, and road infrastructure to serve industrial-zoned land along the Interstate 86 corridor in Chemung County. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Chemung region by building the vital infrastructure needed to serve businesses wishing to locate along the I-86 corridor."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"Access to water, sewers and roads is critical for any businesses development," U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer said. "This funding is a wise investment that will assist in creating jobs, both from the resulting businesses and during construction."
				"This is a great investment for the Southern Tier," U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said. "These federal dollars will upgrade critical infrastructure, create new jobs, help businesses grow and help rebuild our economy."
				"I voted for the Recovery Act to improve our infrastructure and create jobs, and that's exactly what we are doing in Chemung County. This investment in our community is exactly what's needed to strengthen our local economy and I am proud to support this project," U.S. Rep. Eric Massa said.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/28/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090928_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-29T10:48:31Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Department Invests $6 Million in recovery Act Funding to Spur Innovation, Create Jobs in Bethlehem, Pa.	http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008453	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke and White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $6 million to Ben Franklin Technology Partners. The Northeastern based company will use the grant to expand Ben Franklin TechVentures, its incubator/post-incubator facility. This grant will create construction jobs as well as foster an environment for high-growth companies.	U.S. Commerce Department Invests $6 Million in recovery Act Funding to Spur Innovation, Create Jobs in Bethlehem, Pa.	25-Sep-09	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Secretary Gary Locke, White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra, Ben Franklin Technology Partner, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, incubator facility, Pennsylvania, Senator Arlen Specter, economy, Senator Bob Casey, university, funding, TechVentures, R. Chadwick, Paul, Jr., IT, industry, manufacturing, energy sources, job creation, high-growth companies.
				Commerce Secretary Locke, White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Choprah discuss Obama administration's strategy for American innovation with local business leaders
				BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra visited Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania at Lehigh University today to discuss job creation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Obama Administration's strategy to spur American innovation.
				"America's creative thinkers and innovators will lead the way to economic recovery," Locke said. "President Obama is taking historic steps to lay the foundation for the innovation economy of the future. Earlier this week he laid out a strategy for American innovation that builds on more than $100 billion of Recovery Act funds that support innovation. Today we move that strategy forward."
				Locke and Chopra also announced a significant new Recovery Act grant for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania to expand Ben Franklin TechVentures, its incubator/post-incubator facility. The $6 million grant, from the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA), will increase Ben Franklin's ability to deliver to early-stage technology companies hands-on support, guidance and connections to key resources during the economic recovery. The construction of the facility's addition will also create jobs in the short term.
				"Ben Franklin TechVentures is an award-winning facility that now stands as a leader in Pennsylvania's tech industry, providing space and expertise for the businesses of the future," Locke said. "This project creates jobs and fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies."
				Under the Recovery Act, 4.8 million Pennsylvania families have benefited from $2.5 billion in tax relief under the Making Work Pay Tax Credit. An additional 10,868 Pennsylvanians have taken advantage of the First Time Homebuyers Credit, receiving $87 million in tax relief. All told, more than $9.5 billion has been obligated to Pennsylvania under the Recovery Act.
				"I am pleased to see stimulus funds at work for Ben Franklin Technology Partners and Ben Franklin TechVentures," U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter said. "Support for this economic development initiative advances the role of market success through technology, ensures cutting-edge industry in the Lehigh Valley and helps hasten economic stability for Pennsylvania."
				Responding to aggressive goals set out by President Obama and Vice President Biden, Secretary Locke directed the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration to act expeditiously to deliver Recovery Act funds to communities where they were needed most. Across the country, the department has made vital investments in initiatives like workforce development and training centers, regional business incubators and transportation projects to connect communities to key markets.
				With the delivery of today's grant, EDA has dispersed all $150 million of its Recovery Act funding one full year ahead of schedule.
				"This grant should help promote economic development in the eastern part of the Commonwealth, and I am glad that the U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing this award today," U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said. "This project is another example of how the Recovery and Reinvestment Act is delivering targeted investments that will help Pennsylvania's economy turn the corner."
				President Obama's strategy for American innovation seeks to harness the inherent ingenuity of the American people and the dynamic private sector to ensure that the next economic expansion is solid and broad-based. It focuses on critical areas where sensible, balanced government policies can lay the foundation for innovation that leads to quality jobs and shared prosperity.
				The administration's strategy has three parts:
				1. Invest in the Building Blocks of American Innovation. Ensure that our economy is given all the necessary tools for successful innovation, from investments in research and development to the human, physical, and technological capital needed to perform that research and transfer those innovations.
				2. Promote Competitive Markets that Spur Productive Entrepreneurship. It is imperative to create a national environment ripe for entrepreneurship and risk taking that allows U.S. companies to be internationally competitive in a global exchange of ideas and innovation. Through competitive markets, innovations diffuse and scale appropriately across industries and globally.
				3. Catalyze Breakthroughs for National Priorities. There are certain sectors of exceptional national importance where the market is unlikely to produce the desirable outcomes on its own. These include developing alternative energy sources, reducing costs and improving lives with health IT, and manufacturing advanced vehicles. In these industries where markets may fail on their own, government can be part of the solution.
				"Ben Franklin TechVentures will bring together technology entrepreneurs, Ben Franklin staff and Lehigh University faculty and students to their mutual advantage," R. Chadwick Paul, Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, said. "This 47,000 square-foot building addition will accelerate growth and innovation in our technology economy as more space becomes available in our expanded incubator/post-incubator facility."
				Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is part of a four-center, state-funded economic development initiative that links companies with business and technical experts, universities, funding, and other resources to help them prosper through innovation. The organization's strategy encompasses three key areas: developing early stage, technology-oriented companies; helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technologies and business practices; and promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies. It also operates Ben Franklin TechVentures, an award-winning incubator/post-incubator facility, on Lehigh's campus. Ben Franklin Technology Partners helps clients to achieve and sustain market success and competitive advantage through technology. For more information, visit: http://nep.benfranklin.org/.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/16/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090916_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-16T19:20:32Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Breaks Ground on Major San Diego-Area Recovery Act Project	http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008415	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act a ground breaking ceremony was held in La Jolla, California on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The construction of the two new buildings, on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography site, is scheduled to begin in October 2010 and completed by October 2011. The state-of-the-art facilities are support by two federal agencies- the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).	U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Breaks Ground on Major San Diego-Area Recovery Act Project	15-Sep-09	ARRA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), La Jolla, California, ground breaking, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, create jobs, US San Diego, marine ecosystem forecasting, MESOM Laboratory, oceans, marine life, Secretary Locke.
				$100 million in Recovery Act dollars to go toward state-of-the-art facility on Scripps Oceanography Campus to create local jobs
				LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Mayor Jerry Sanders led a groundbreaking ceremony in La Jolla, Calif., today for two new buildings dedicated to ocean science on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The project is a major groundbreaking in California under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The buildings are supported by two federal agencies the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and will feature state-of-the-art marine life tanks and cutting-edge science labs. Scripps Director Tony Haymet and NIST Deputy Director Patrick Gallagher were also on hand for the event.
				"Today we break ground on not one, but two state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to furthering our knowledge of oceans and marine life," Locke said. "This investment will help create and support jobs and add to our storehouse of knowledge about climate and our marine environment."
				Over $100 million in funding from the Recovery Act advanced construction plans for the first building, a world-class NOAA facility. The Recovery Act funds going to NOAA support the largest stimulus construction project in the San Diego area for the Commerce Department and will contribute to the creation of local construction jobs. NIST awarded $12 million to Scripps toward the construction of the second building, a new laboratory for research on marine ecosystem forecasting.
				NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center:
				NOAA's new research facility will replace the existing Southwest Fisheries Science Center, which was partially vacated in the summer of 2008 due to continued bluff erosion. When completed, the new 120,000-square foot facility will house up to 300 staff members in laboratory, office and support space.
				The new building will incorporate a large sea- and fresh-water Ocean Technology Development Tank, which will expand NOAA's ability to develop and apply advanced technologies for surveys of fisheries resources and their associated ecosystems. This world-class facility will foster collaborations on fisheries management issues and will be a focal point for surveys and assessments of species, the development and application of ecosystem-based approaches to management, research on the impacts of environmental variability, and climate change on marine ecosystems and fisheries and conservation socio-economics. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin in October 2010 and be completed by October 2011.
				NIST Marine Ecosystem Sensing, Observation, and Modeling (MESOM) Laboratory:
				Scripps has been awarded $12 million by NIST toward construction of a new $26 million laboratory building on its campus for research on marine ecosystem forecasting. The MESOM Laboratory will enable Scripps to consolidate researchers from a variety of disciplines who otherwise would be split among five or more different buildings in a single dedicated facility to promote more productive discussions and interactions.
				This new building will become a resource for marine ecological research at Scripps and for other national and international ocean science organizations that address the management of marine resources.The new facility will enable Scripps scientists to build upon a long history of successful research on marine ecosystems and their response to climate variability and change and to develop a new program that will provide the scientific foundation for marine ecosystem forecasting. The MESOM research program is closely tied to NOAA's work, and the results of the research and modeling will benefit collaborations with NOAA's growing program in marine ecosystem management. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin in early 2011 and be completed by late 2012.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/15/2009 (07) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090915_07:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-16T13:35:54Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NIST Submits Updated Master Plan for Gaithersburg Campus	http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/master_plan_09-14-09.html	Press Release	Funds received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will be used as part of the planned expansion and new facilities for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Gaithersburg campus. The following Master Plan improvements are funded through ARRA and includes; Robotic Facility, Fire and Police Emergency Service Facility, National Structural Fire Research Laboratory, Net-Zero Energy Residential Building.	NIST Submits Updated Master Plan for Gaithersburg Campus		American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, Maryland, NCPC requirements, new buildings, energy, environmental improvements, facility update, transportation improvements, research facility, jobs, construction jobs.
Roadmap Features New Buildings, Energy, Environmental Improvements				Roadmap Features New Buildings, Energy, Environmental Improvements
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT: Ben Stein
				Sept. 14, 2009	(301) 975-3097
				GAITHERSBURG, Md. Planned and potential expansions and new facilities across campus, the addition of 400-500 kilowatts in power from solar panels, and increasing already heavy employee use of alternative transportation to a daily rate of 40 percent are among the highlights of an updated Master Plan for the Gaithersburg, Md., campus of the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST has delivered its plan to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the central planning agency for federal land and buildings in the National Capital Region.
				The document lists planned and possible future additions and improvements to the Gaithersburg campus; their actual implementation will depend upon available resources in the NIST budget. Several projects, however, are already funded explicitly by the Congressionally approved NIST spending plan for its construction funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) (http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/arra_050809.html), as well as NIST's approved spending plan for its Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 operating budget.
				Detailing both planned and potential new buildings and additions to be constructed on the agency's 235-hectare (580-acre) Gaithersburg campus, as well as a host of energy, environmental and transportation improvements, the plan is the first major NIST facilities update since the 1990s and is designed to meet current NCPC requirements.
				The Master Plan anticipates NIST facilities needs through 2020 and beyond. It serves as both the vision and physical framework for developing and improving the Gaithersburg site by incorporating currently planned projects as well as potential future improvements. In accordance with NCPC guidelines, NIST will review the Master Plan on a periodic basis to ensure that it remains current and will keep NCPC informed of needed updates.
				"The Master Plan is not a static document, but a living one that will be adaptable to NIST's future needs," says Stella Fiotes, NIST's Chief Facilities Management Officer. "It is a roadmap to advance our research mission, support federal initiatives on energy conservation and sustainability, and improve the workplace environment while maintaining our efforts to be good citizens of the City of Gaithersburg and Montgomery County."
				Built in the early 1960s, the NIST-Gaithersburg campus now includes 55 buildings, with approximately 3,600 employees, guest researchers and contractors on campus during an average workday. An average of 546 visitors comes to the NIST Gaithersburg campus every day.
				In all, the Master Plan describes new construction projects totaling more than 10,000 square meters (100,000 square feet), including:
				a NIST Child Care facility, funded by NIST's FY 2009 budget, will be designed to accommodate 154 children. Scheduled for completion in mid-2011, it will replace the existing NIST child care center, which is housed in a 40-year-old building and currently accommodates 94 children;
				a Robotics Facility, funded by ARRA, will be devoted to the development, fabrication and testing of robotics systems and components;
				a consolidated Fire and Police Emergency Services facility, funded by ARRA, will house police, fire and emergency services staff in the same building; these groups are currently dispersed throughout the campus in outdated facilities;
				a National Structural Fire Research Laboratory, funded by ARRA, will support innovation in the design of new fire-resistant materials and structures; and
				a Net-Zero Energy Residential Building, funded by ARRA, will test and measure state-of-the-art residential-building components and technologies and develop ways to measure energy flow in a residential building as an entire interconnected system in order to meet the energy requirements of the home.
				"The funding from the Recovery Act will create many construction-related jobs," says NIST Deputy Director Patrick Gallagher, "and our improved infrastructure will significantly help us maintain U.S. leadership in innovation and industrial competitiveness."
				The plan also proposes additions to existing NIST buildings, as well as renovations to NIST general purpose laboratories, some of which are more than 40 years old, to bring them in line with present-day scientific needs. The Master Plan does not anticipate any net increase in NIST employment resulting from the proposed expansions and additions.
				The Master Plan also initiates and continues a host of energy and environmental improvements on campus, including the installation of photovoltaic solar panels that deliver 400-500 kilowatts (kW) of power on campus to supplement NIST's existing 28 kW system; replacing energy-leaking windows and installing wall insulation in many older NIST buildings; and replacing obsolete laboratory chemical fume hoods with modern, energy-efficient hoods.
				The Master Plan also proposes transportation improvements and incentives aiming to reach goals that include:
				reducing the use of single-occupant vehicles by NIST employees to 60 percent by 2020. From 1990 to 2008, single-occupant-vehicle use has decreased from 75 percent to 68.3 percent;
				increasing the use of all other transportation methods to 40 percent. Currently, 31.7 percent of NIST employees get to work by using alternative methods of transportation, including public transit, rideshares, bicycling and walking, up from 25 percent in 1990;
				improving pedestrian and bicycle networks on campus; and
				increasing the use of public transit to 20 percent by 2020. The use of public transit by NIST employees has increased from 1.1 percent in 1990 to 14.9 percent in 2008.
				NCPC will distribute the plan to multiple agencies, including the City of Gaithersburg and Montgomery County government, for their input, and an NCPC commission will review and consider a finalized version of the plan at a Dec. 3 meeting.
				As a non-regulatory agency, NIST advances measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/15/2009 (06) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090915_06:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-16T13:35:23Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in South Sioux City, Nebraska	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRSouthSiouxCityNE091409.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2 million to the city of South Sioux City, Nebraska. This grant will be used to make infrastructure improvements to serve the Roth Industrial Park.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in South Sioux City, Nebraska	14-Sep-09	Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Secretary Locke, South Sioux City, Nebraska, Roth Industrial Park, Industrial Park, infrastructure, U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, create jobs, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of South Sioux City, Neb., to make infrastructure improvements to serve the Roth Industrial Park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by providing the critical infrastructure needed to boost business expansion plans and serve future business needs in the South Sioux City region."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"This is what the stimulus plan is all about: economic development and job creation," U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson said. "Completing infrastructure upgrades to the Roth Industrial Park is one of the community's top priorities. It will allow for additional expansion and help the city in its efforts to recruit major industries with their well-paying jobs to town. South Sioux City officials are to be commended for their forward thinking planning and putting this money to work to assure continued growth and economic development far into the future."
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/15/2009 (05) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090915_05:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-16T13:34:50Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Hutchinson, Kansas	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRHutchinsonKS091409.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $1.7 million to the city of Hutchinson, Kansas. This grant will be used to help build a rail spur to serve the Salt City Business Park.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Hutchinson, Kansas	14-Sep-09	Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Secretary Locke, Hutchinson, Kansas, rail spur, Salt City Business Park, infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, create jobs, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Hutchinson, Kan., to help build a rail spur to serve the Salt City Business Park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Hutchinson region by providing the rail infrastructure needed to serve manufacturing facilities in the Salt City Business Park."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/15/2009 (04) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090915_04:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-16T13:34:21Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $3 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Hamilton County, Tennessee	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRHamiltonTN091409.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $3 million to Hamilton County, and the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This grant will be used by the Hamilton County Railroad Authority to improve railroad access to the Enterprise South Industrial Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $3 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Hamilton County, Tennessee	14-Sep-09	Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Secretary Locke, Hamilton County, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Hamilton County Railroad Authority, railroad access, Enterprise South Industrial Park, infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, create jobs, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $3 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Hamilton County, the city of Chattanooga, and the Hamilton County Railroad Authority, to improve railroad access to the Enterprise South Industrial Park in Chattanooga, Tenn. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Hamilton County region by providing the critical infrastructure needed to support manufacturing facilities at the Enterprise South Industrial Park."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/15/2009 (03) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090915_03:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-16T13:33:55Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Dorchester County, South Carolina	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRDorchesterSC091409.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2.5 million to Dorchester County, South Carolina. This grant will be used to help build infrastructure to support business development needs in the biotechnology sector.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Dorchester County, South Carolina	14-Sep-09	Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Secretary Locke, Dorchester County, South Carolina, infrastructure, biotechnology sector, create jobs, biotechnology cluster, economy, U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, green jobs.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Dorchester County, S.C., to help build infrastructure to support business development needs in the biotechnology sector. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help Dorchester County expand its biotechnology cluster by providing the critical infrastructure needed to establish new firms and other businesses that will bring higher-skill, higher-wage jobs and increased private investment to the region."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"This tremendous Recovery Act investment will help to build a sustainable alternative fuel economy for part of South Carolina that is in need of job creation," U.S. Rep. James Clyburn said. "The EDA's support will improve economic opportunities and continue our efforts to grow more green jobs."
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/15/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090915_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-16T13:33:30Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $4.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Chicago, Illinois	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRChicagoILL091409.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $4.5 million to the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. This grant will be used to help refurbish and existing building at the Institute's University Technology Park for use as a technology business incubator facility.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $4.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Chicago, Illinois	14-Sep-09	Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Secretary Locke, Chicago, Illinois, Institute of Technology in Chicago, University Technology Park, business incubator facility, infrastructure, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, IIT, South Side community, create jobs, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $4.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Ill., to help refurbish an existing building at the Institute's University Technology Park for use as a technology business incubator facility. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new higher-skill, higher-wage jobs and boost private investment in the Chicago region as tech-based start-ups get the technical assistance and lab and office space they need at the Institute's new business incubator."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				"The Illinois Institute of Technology's business incubator will build upon private investment in the Chicago region," U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said. "Today's funding through the Recovery Act will enhance the University's efforts and create good paying jobs in the community."
				U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush said, "I am very grateful that the Obama Administration and Secretary Locke joined me in supporting the innovative work that continues to take place at the Illinois Institute of Technology. I have been a strong supporter of IIT for years not only because it's part of my district but because IIT's leadership is creative and forward thinking with respect to our nation's defense and technology needs and they are strong advocates of the economic vitality of the South Side community in which they reside. This grant will make it possible to continue upgrading the work environment that supports a creative team of professionals focused on our national security and research interests."
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/15/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090915_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-16T13:32:06Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $857,500 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Cave City, Kentucky	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRCave%20CityKY091409.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $857,500 to Caveland Sanitation Authority, of Cave City, Kentucky. This grant will be used to help expand the Horse Cave Wastewater Treatment plant.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $857,500 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Cave City, Kentucky	14-Sep-09	Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Secretary Locke, Caveland Sanitation Authority, Cave City, Kentucky, Horse Cave Wastewater Treatment plant, create jobs, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced an $857,500 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Caveland Sanitation Authority, Inc., of Cave City, Ky., to help expand the Horse Cave Wastewater Treatment plant. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Cave City region by providing the critical water treatment infrastructure needed to support business expansion plans and serve future business needs."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/11/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090911_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-12T01:54:50Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NTIA'S BROADBAND MAPPING INITIATIVE OFF TO STRONG START	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_mappingtotals_090909.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program have received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories and the District of Columbia. The national broadband map will display geographic areas where broadband is available; speed of the service; technology used; and service availability to public buildings such as schools, libraries and hospitals. This grant program implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA).	NTIA'S BROADBAND MAPPING INITIATIVE OFF TO STRONG START	9-Sep-09	National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA), Mapping, ARRA, broadband map, service availability, state mapping, grants, internet availability, grant program, nationwide map.
All U.S. States, Territories, and D.C. Apply to Participate in Program				All U.S. States, Territories, and D.C. Apply to Participate in Program
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2009
				CONTACT: Mark Tolbert 202-482-8176 or press@ntia.doc.gov.
				WASHINGTON The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it has received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, which will assist NTIA in creating a national broadband map. This unprecedented initiative will provide consumers with better information on the broadband Internet services available to them and inform policymakers' efforts to increase broadband availability nationwide.
				"We are pleased with the unanimous response, which underscores the value of this program," said NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "This initiative will ultimately help us improve the Nation's level of broadband access and adoption, which is critical to our global competitiveness."
				The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a competitive, merit-based matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees to gather state-specific data on the availability, speed, and location of broadband services. All governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. The data they collect and compile, including publicly available state-wide broadband maps, will also be used to inform the comprehensive, interactive national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
				The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.
				In consideration of its charge to both create and maintain the national broadband map, and its responsibility to use funds in a fiscally prudent manner, NTIA has decided to initially fund state mapping and data collection efforts for a two-year period as opposed to a five-year period as originally contemplated. This approach will allow NTIA to assess lessons learned, determine best practices, and investigate opportunities for improved data collection methods prior to awarding funds for subsequent years. Based on the information submitted by the applicants, NTIA estimates funding requests for the first two years to total approximately $100 million.
				NTIA's grant awards will also include funding for state broadband planning. Planning projects may include, for example, efforts to identify barriers to broadband adoption in a state. As originally contemplated, NTIA intends to fund broadband planning grants for a five-year period. Fifty-two of the applicants requested a total of approximately $26 million to support broadband planning activities.
				NTIA is currently reviewing the applications and plans to announce funding decisions beginning in the early fall.
				Awardees are required to provide at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/02/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090902_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-03T15:24:07Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Tupelo, Mississippi	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRTupeloMS083109.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2.7 million to Lee County and the Community Development Foundation of Tupelo, Mississippi. The grant will be used to help expand the Renasant Center for IDEAs business incubator facility.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Tupelo, Mississippi	31-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Tupelo, Mississippi, Lee County, Community Development Foundation, Renasant Center, IDEAs, incubator, business, industrial, facility, jobs, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Lee County and the Community Development Foundation of Tupelo, Miss., to help expand the Renasant Center for IDEAs business incubator facility. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant means new jobs and increased private investment in northeast Mississippi as start up companies and existing business ventures receive more technical assistance and space to grow through the improved Renasant Center for IDEAs business incubator."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/01/2009 (07) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090901_07:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-01T20:18:01Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $3.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Tupelo, Mississippi	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRTupeloMI082809.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $3.7 million to Itawamba Community College of Tupelo, Mississippi. The grant will be used to renovate a facility for use as a one-stop workforce development and training center.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $3.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Tupelo, Mississippi	28-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, ARRA, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Tupelo, Mississippi, Itawamba Community College, workforce development, facility renovation, training center, labor force, job skills, job prospects, jobs, job growth.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $3.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Itawamba Community College of Tupelo, Miss., to renovate a facility for use as a one-stop workforce development and training center. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will improve the job prospects and skills of the regional labor force by positioning Itawamba Community College to better promote sustainable economic growth and development."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/01/2009 (06) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090901_06:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-01T20:17:37Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $4.3 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Scottsburg, Indiana	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRScottsburgIN082809.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $4.3 million to the city of Scottsburg, Indiana. The grant will be used to construct the Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) Center. The center will serve as a conference hall and a manufacturing/technology business incubator.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $4.3 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Scottsburg, Indiana	28-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, ARRA, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Scottsburg, Indiana, Technology, manufacturing, technology, business, incubator, entrepreneurship, TIE, conference hall, innovation, economy, jobs.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $4.3 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Scottsburg, Ind., to construct the Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) Center, which will serve as a conference hall and manufacturing/technology business incubator. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by providing a business incubator and training facility that will promote technology, innovation and entrepreneurship."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/01/2009 (05) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090901_05:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-01T20:17:01Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Savannah, Georgia	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRSavannahGA082809.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2 million to the Georgia Ports Authority of Savannah, GA. The grant will be used to expand the capacity of the Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Savannah, Georgia	28-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, ARRA, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Savannah, GA, Georgia Port Authority, Garden City Terminal, Port of Savannah, infrastructure, cargo capacity, economy, jobs, job growth.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Georgia Ports Authority of Savannah, Ga., to expand the capacity of the Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will enhance the region's global market competitiveness and ability to create jobs by making vital infrastructure improvements needed to increase the Garden City Terminal's cargo capacity."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/01/2009 (04) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090901_04:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-01T20:16:27Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Petersburg, Alaska	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRPetersburgAK082809.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $1 million to the city of Petersburg, Alaska. The grant will be used to renovate a multi-purpose dock.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Petersburg, Alaska	28-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, ARRA, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Petersburg, Alaska, dock, renovate, tourism, fishing sectors, economy, jobs, job growth.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Petersburg, Alaska, to help renovate a multi-purpose dock. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will support job growth by improving a multi-purpose dock that is critical to the economic well-being of the Petersburg's tourism and fishing sectors."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/01/2009 (03) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090901_03:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-01T20:15:49Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $886,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Fosston, Minnesota	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRFosstonMN082809.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $886,000 to the city of Fosston, Minnesota. The grant will be used build infrastructure to support the expansion of the Fosston Industrial Park.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $886,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Fosston, Minnesota	28-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, ARRA, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Fosston, Minnesota, infrastructure, Fosston Industrial Park, industrial park, workforce development, business needs, local business, jobs, job growth.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced an $886,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Fosston, Minn., to build infrastructure to support the expansion of the Fosston industrial park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help Fosston create local jobs, accommodate local business expansion plans and serve future business needs by building critical infrastructure to expand the Fosston industrial park."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/01/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090901_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-01T20:15:08Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRBristolBayAK082809.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2.2 million to Bristol Bay Borough of Naknek, Alaska. The grant will be used to purchase a crane and two forklifts for use at the town of Naknek's dock.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska	28-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, ARRA, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Bristol Bay Borough, Naknek, Alaska, crane, forklifts, Naknek's dock, cargo capacity, shipping, expand markets, economy, economic competitiveness, jobs, job growth.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Bristol Bay Borough of Naknek, Alaska, to purchase a crane and two forklifts for use at the town of Naknek's dock. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Bristol Bay region by significantly increasing the cargo capacity of the Naknek dock, helping to increase shipping and expand markets."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 09/01/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090901_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-01T20:12:12Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $800,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Chicago, Illinois	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRChicagoIL082809.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $800,000 to ACCION/Chicago, Inc. The grant will be used to establish a revolving loan fund for business micro lending in Cook County.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $800,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Chicago, Illinois	28-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, ARRA, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), ACCION, Chicago, Illinois, Cook County, loan, revolving, micro lending, business, lending, economy, jobs.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced an $800,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to ACCION/Chicago, Inc., of Chicago, Ill., to establish a revolving loan fund for business micro lending in Cook County. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help leverage private sector investment and create jobs in the Chicago area by making loan capital available to small startup and expanding businesses that are unable to access conventional lending sources."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/31/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090831_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-03T15:23:39Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $800,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Spring Valley, Minnesota	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRSpringvalleyMN083109.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $800,000 to the city of Spring Valley, Minn. The grant will be used to help expand the local industrial park.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $800,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Spring Valley, Minnesota	31-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Spring Valley, Minnesota, business, industrial park, facility, jobs, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced an $800,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Spring Valley, Minn., to help expand the local industrial park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in southeastern Minnesota as more accommodations can be made for current and future businesses by expanding the industrial park."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/31/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090831_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-09-03T15:22:15Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $500,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Memphis, Tennessee	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRMemphisTN083109.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $500,000 to Memphis Incubator Systems, Inc., and Memphis Center City Revenue Finance Corp. The grant will be used to help renovate and expand the EmergeMemphis business incubator facility.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $500,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Memphis, Tennessee	31-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), ARRA, Memphis, TN, Memphis Incubator Systems, Memphis Center City Revenue Finance Corp., EmergeMemphis, business, incubator, facility, jobs, economy.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $500,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Memphis Incubator Systems, Inc., and Memphis Center City Revenue Finance Corp., Memphis, Tenn., to help renovate and expand the EmergeMemphis business incubator facility. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Memphis region by expanding EmergeMemphis, a focal point for entrepreneurial activity in the Mid-South, which provides technical assistance and space to new entrepreneurial ventures."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/28/2009 (08) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090828_08:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-28T18:28:27Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Wilder, Idaho	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRWilderID082709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2.5 million to the Canyon Owyhee School Service Agency of Greenleaf, Idaho. The grant will be used convert an existing building for use as a regional vocational training facility.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Wilder, Idaho	27-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Greenleaf, Idaho, Canyon Owyhee School Service Agency, create jobs, economy, vocational training facility, business development, convert building, Wilder, regional economy, Regional Technical Center.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Canyon Owyhee School Service Agency of Greenleaf, Idaho to convert an existing building in Wilder for use as a regional vocational training facility. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "The Regional Technology Center in Wilder will give workers the knowledge they need to compete for the higher-skill, higher-wage jobs essential to revitalizing the regional economy."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/28/2009 (07) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090828_07:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-28T18:27:59Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.4 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Longview, Washington	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRLongviewWA082709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $1.4 million to the city of Longview, Washington. The grant will be used to extend Weber Ave. and provide water infrastructure to serve the Mint Farm Industrial Park.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.4 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Longview, Washington	27-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Longview, Washington, Weber Ave., industrial park, create jobs, economy, Mint Farm, road improvements, water infrastructure.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.4 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Longview, Wash., to extend Weber Avenue and provide water infrastructure to serve the Mint Farm Industrial Park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Longview region by establishing an industrial park that will serve a major renewable energy firm and other commercial interests."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/28/2009 (06) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090828_06:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-28T18:27:28Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.783 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Carrollton, Kentucky	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRCarrolltonKY082709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2.783 million to the city of Carrollton, KY. The grant will be used to make water treatment facility upgrades to serve existing and future commercial and industrial needs.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.783 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Carrollton, Kentucky	27-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Carrollton, KY, water treatment, City of Carrollton, create jobs, wastewater system, economy
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.783 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Carrollton, Ky., to make water treatment facility upgrades to serve existing and future commercial and industrial needs. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Carrollton region by making the vital wastewater system improvements needed to serve existing and future business needs."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/28/2009 (05) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090828_05:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-28T18:27:01Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $700,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Albert Lea, Minnesota	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRAlbertLeaMN082709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $700,000 to Greater Jobs, Inc. and the city of Albert Lea, MN. The grant will be used to build an access road to serve the I35-I90 industrial park.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $700,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Albert Lea, Minnesota	27-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Albert Lea, MN, Greater Jobs, Inc., I35-I90, industrial park, access road, create jobs, economy, interstates.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $700,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Greater Jobs, Inc., and the city of Albert Lea, Minn., to help build an access road to serve the I35-I90 industrial park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Albert Lea region by providing access to a key industrial site that is being developed to take advantage of the location's proximity to two major interstates."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.
				-

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/28/2009 (04) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090828_04:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-28T18:26:38Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Nearly 2,200 Diverse Applications Submitted for Share of $4 Billion in Funding to Expand Broadband Access and Adoption	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_BIP_090827.html	Press Release	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced that they have received almost 2,200 applications for proposed broadband projects. This program is possible through funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). A total of $7.2 billion was provided to NTIA and RUS to award funding for the purpose of expanding access to and the adoption of broadband services across the U.S., territories and the District of Columbia.	Nearly 2,200 Diverse Applications Submitted for Share of $4 Billion in Funding to Expand Broadband Access and Adoption	27-Aug-09	National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, RUS, ARRA, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, loans, grants, applications, funding, $4 billion, Broadband, BTOP, jobs, economy, internet, Lawrence E. Strickling, Jonathan Adelstein, infrastructure, sustainable broadband adoption, public computer centers.
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2009
				NTIA Media Contact: Mark Tolbert III 202-482-8176 or press@ntia.doc.gov
				USDA Media Contact: Bartel Kendrick 202-379-8400
				WASHINGTON- The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced today that they received almost 2,200 applications requesting nearly $28 billion in funding for proposed broadband projects reaching all 50 U.S. states and territories and the District of Columbia. This is the first round of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access and adoption to help bridge the technological divide and create jobs building Internet infrastructure, with $4 billion available through loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations.
				The Recovery Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and RUS to expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will invest $2.5 billion to facilitate broadband deployment in primarily rural communities. Approximately $2.4 billion from RUS and up to $1.6 billion from NTIA is available in this first grant round.
				Applications came in from a diverse range of parties including state, local, and tribal governments; nonprofits; industry; anchor institutions, such as libraries, universities, community colleges, and hospitals; public safety organizations; and other entities in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
				"Applicants requested nearly seven times the amount of funding available, which demonstrates the substantial interest in expanding broadband across the Nation," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator of NTIA. "We will move quickly but carefully to fund the best projects to bring broadband and jobs to more Americans."
				"The overwhelming response we received underscores the extensive interest in expanding broadband across the country. Rural communities clearly recognize that broadband can expand their economic opportunities and create jobs," said Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA. "The Obama Administration's goal is to target funds to serve areas of greatest need. The big demand for loans as well as grants demonstrates that we can leverage private investment with USDA's $2.5 billion to deliver the greatest bang for the taxpayers' buck."
				A preliminary analysis of applicant-reported data shows that NTIA and RUS received requests for grants and loans totaling nearly $28 billion. When including about $10.5 billion in matching funds committed by the applicants, there are over $38 billion in proposed broadband projects.
				The applications break down as follows:
				Infrastructure
				More than 260 applications were filed solely with NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), requesting over $5.4 billion in grants to fund broadband infrastructure projects in unserved and underserved areas.
				More than 400 applications were filed solely with RUS's Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP), requesting nearly $5 billion in grants and loans for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas.
				More than 830 applications were filed with both NTIA's BTOP and RUS's BIP, requesting nearly $12.8 billion in infrastructure funding. (Applicants for infrastructure projects in rural areas must apply to BIP but were given the opportunity to jointly apply to BTOP in case RUS declines to fund their application.)
				Sustainable Broadband Adoption
				More than 320 applications were filed with NTIA requesting nearly $2.5 billion in grants from BTOP for projects that promote sustainable demand for broadband services, including projects to provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment or support, particularly among vulnerable population groups where broadband technology has traditionally been underutilized. (The Recovery Act directs NTIA to make at least $250 million available for programs that encourage sustainable adoption of broadband services, of which up to $150 million is allocated in this first round of grants.)
				Public Computer Centers
				More than 360 applications were filed with NTIA requesting more than $1.9 billion in grants from BTOP for public computer center projects, which will expand access to broadband service and enhance broadband capacity at public libraries, community colleges, and other institutions that provide the benefits of broadband to the general public or specific vulnerable populations. (The Recovery Act directs NTIA to make at least $200 million available for expanding public computer center capacity, of which up to $50 million is allocated in this first round of grants.)
				In the coming weeks, NTIA and RUS will post online a searchable database containing summaries of all applications received. The dollar figures cited today represent applicants' self-reported totals from proposals submitted before the August 20, 2009, deadline at 5 p.m. ET. These results are preliminary estimates, however, and may change as the applications are reviewed for errors, omissions, and duplications.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/28/2009 (03) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090828_03:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-28T18:26:12Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.6 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Social Circle, Georgia	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRSocialCircleGA082709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $1.6 million to the city of Social Circle, Georgia. The grant will be used to help build water and sewer infrastructure needed to encourage business development in the region.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.6 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Social Circle, Georgia	27-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Social Circle Georgia, create jobs, economy, water, sewer, business development, infrastructure, General Mills, distribution facility.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.6 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Social Circle, Ga., to help build water and sewer infrastructure needed to spur business development in the region. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by building critical infrastructure needed to pave the way for a state-of-the-art General Mills distribution facility and other businesses in Social Circle."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/28/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090828_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-28T18:25:46Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Dillingham, Alaska	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRDillinghamAK082709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $1 million to the city of Dillingham, Alaska. The grant will be used to expand an existing dock and install a crane to boost the commercial fishing sector.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Dillingham, Alaska	27-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Dillingham, Alaska, create jobs, economy, crane, commercial fishing, dock, fishing sector.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Dillingham, Alaska to expand an existing dock and install a crane to boost the commercial fishing sector. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Dillingham commercial fishing sector by making docking procedures more efficient."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/28/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090828_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-28T18:24:18Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Centralia and Wamac, Illinois	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRWamacILL082709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locke announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2 million to the cities of Centralia, and Wamac, IL. The grant will be used to make roadway updates to improve access to Centralia Industrial Park #1.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Centralia and Wamac, Illinois	27-Aug-09	Secretary Gary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Centralia, Wamac, IL, roadway, industrial park, create jobs, economy, access, road improvements.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the cities of Centralia and Wamac, Ill., to help make roadway updates to improve access to Centralia Industrial Park #1. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Centralia/Wamac region by making access road improvements to serve current and future business needs at the industrial park."
				The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/26/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090826_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-27T11:51:24Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Tampa Bay, Florida	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRTampaBayFL082509.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locked announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $2.2 million to the Tampa Port Authority. The grant will be used to replace the steel bulkhead at Berth 230 at the Port of Tampa.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $2.2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Tampa Bay, Florida	25-Aug-09	Tampa Bay, Florida, Secretary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), steel bulkhead, Port of Tampa, Berth 230, jobs, economy, ARRA, shipping needs, liquid fuels, Central Florida, growth.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Tampa Port Authority, Tampa, Fla., to help replace the steel bulkhead at Berth 230 at the Port of Tampa. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help the Tampa region retain existing jobs and create new jobs by replacing a bulkhead at the Tampa Port that services much of central Florida's liquid fuels shipping needs."
				The ARRA was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products. Locke is a key member of President Barack Obama's economic team.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/26/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090826_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-27T11:50:19Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Augusta, Georgia	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRAugustaGA082509.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Secretary Gary Locked announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $1.7 million to Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc. The grant will be used to help convert an existing retail space for use as the Goodwill Career Campus.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Augusta, Georgia	24-Aug-09	Augusta, GA, Goodwill, Goodwill Industries, Middle Georgia, career center, career campus, Secretary Locke, Economic Development Administration (EDA), jobs, economy, ARRA, distressed communities.
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc., Augusta, Ga., to help convert an existing retail space for use as the Goodwill Career Campus. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help provide workers with the hands-on job training needed to better compete for jobs in the retail and restaurant sectors."
				The ARRA was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products. Locke is a key member of President Barack Obama's economic team.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/25/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090825_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-25T17:36:44Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NIST Awards Contract to Sustain Fast Track Development of Smart Grid Standards	http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/smartgrid_contract_082109.html	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded a contract to the EnerNex Corporation of Knoxville, TN. The EnerNex Corporation will work with NIST to build a secure, interoperable smart electric power grid. In September NIST plans to release the Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Framework for public comment.	GAITHERSBURG, Md. The U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced today that EnerNex Corporation, Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded a contract to help NIST sustain the accelerated development of the hundreds of compatible standards that will be required to build a secure, interoperable smart electric power grid. NIST is obligating a portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds allocated to NIST through the Department of Energy to the contract.	21-Aug-09	National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ARRA, EnerNex Corporations, Knoxville, TN, Smart Grid, Department of Energy, electric power grid, interoperability, climate change, create jobs, energy, Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), energy technology.
				Awarded under an unrestricted, fully open and competitive process, the contract will run for up to two years if all options are exercised with an estimated cost of about $8.5 million.
				EnerNex's first task will be to establish and administer a Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Panel to identify, prioritize and address new and emerging requirements for Smart Grid interoperability and security. This work will further develop the initial NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Framework (Release 1.0), expected to be released in September for public comment.
				Release 1.0 will identify the first set of key standards and provide a roadmap for developing new or revised standards critical to Smart Grid development. It also will describe a reference model to help organize the Smart Grid and identify linkages among many varied Smart Grid components including household appliances, utilities, windmills and electric vehicles.
				The panel will interact with expert working groups, a cyber security coordination task group, and other volunteer technical bodies established by NIST during this first phase of its Smart Grid efforts.
				The panel will consist of key Smart Grid stakeholders, including utilities, independent power producers, federal agencies, state regulators, equipment manufacturers, consumer groups and developers of information technology applications and devices. They will engage their peers in meetings set to begin the week of Nov. 16, 2009, in Denver.
				EnerNex will also work with NIST, the private-sector, and non-profit organizations to begin establishing a testing and certification infrastructure that will ensure Smart Grid-related software, hardware and services conform to standards.
				In addition, the contract calls for EnerNex to build a publicly accessible "interoperability knowledge base." It will contain information on Smart Grid standards, relevant activities of standards development organizations, and other types of information needed to guide standards development over the long term.
				Under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, NIST has "primary responsibility to coordinate development of a framework that includes protocols and model standards for information management to achieve interoperability of Smart Grid devices and systems."
				The Smart Grid integrates information and networking technologies into the nation's electric system to enable advanced control and communication capabilities. It is a key component of President Obama's plans to achieve energy independence and to address climate change.
				Greater efficiency, increasing use of renewable energy, and other Smart Grid benefits are expected to create jobs, reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and help U.S. industry develop, apply and export clean energy technology.
				As a non-regulatory agency, NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/25/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090825_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-25T17:35:51Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $4.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Tucson, Arizona	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRTucsonAZ082409.xml	Press Release	The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted $4.7 million to the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona. The grant will be used in the development of the Arizona Bioscience Park.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $4.7 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Tucson, Arizona	Monday August 24, 2009	Tucson, Arizona, ARRA, Economic Development Administration, Arizona Bioscience Park, create jobs, economy, training facility, research facility, distressed communities
				WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $4.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., to build infrastructure to support phase-one development of the Arizona Bioscience Park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
				"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "The Arizona Bioscience Park will provide the Tucson region with a comprehensive training and research facility that will work to boost workforce training, research and development opportunities, higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs, and private sector investment in the bioscience sector."
				The ARRA was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
				The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products. Locke is a key member of President Barack Obama's economic team.
				EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
				Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 08/24/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090824_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-08-25T17:34:00Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Secretary of Commerce Announces $40 Million in Recovery Act Projects to Support Efficient Marine Navigation and Create Jobs	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090820_jobs.html	Press Release	Secretary Locke announced on August 20, 2009 that as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will allocate $40 million for critical hydrographic survey and chart projects. These funds will be used to map the seafloor, update nautical charts, and collect data in critical costal areas.	Secretary of Commerce Announces $40 Million in Recovery Act Projects to Support Efficient Marine Navigation and Create Jobs NORFOLK, VIRGINIA Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced in Norfolk, Va. today $40 million for critical hydrographic survey and chart projects across the United States that strengthen the economy, create jobs, and support safe and efficient marine commerce and trade. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will allocate $32 million to utilize hydrographic surveying contractors to collect data in critical coastal areas which are used to map the seafloor and update nautical charts. "These Recovery Act contracts are an important investment in our nation's marine transportation system, which employs more than 13 million people. Our waterways are facing unprecedented demands from marine commerce, but our seafloor mapping is outdated," Secretary Locke said. "Charting our coastal seafloors for the most up-to-date information gives ports and shippers important data to increase efficiency and safety, boosting our nation's long-term economic health." Across our country, ocean transportation already contributes more than $742 billion to the national economy. All commercial shipping vessels rely on NOAA's nautical charts to safely pass through U.S. waters. Those charts are generated and updated with data gathered by hydrographic surveys. Recovery Act funding will be used to conduct 39 surveys, charting nearly 2,000 square nautical miles in the Chesapeake Bay, and in the coastal waters of Alaska, Washington, California, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Virginia. Using the latest technologies, surveyors map the sea floor, measure the water depth, search the ocean for storm debris or accident wreckage, and record the natural features of coastal seabeds and fragile aquatic life. Between 2010 and 2020, the value of freight carried in and out of U.S. ports is predicted to increase 43 percent. To accommodate this growth, facility planners need hydrographic survey data to facilitate this century's bigger ships and busier waterways. The information gathered through these surveys will also support essential planning efforts along coastlines providing important data to help balance the conservation needs of fragile ecosystems and competing demands for coastal ocean space for navigation, alternative energy, or other commercial purposes. NOAA's Office of Coast Survey is managing the projects. Surveying will cover high priority maritime areas on the U.S. Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coastlines. Surveying firms conducting the work are based in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington. The Recovery Act will fund private hydrographic survey firms to complete the following projects: Alaska $5.3 million. Seven surveys cover 674 square nautical miles. These surveys encompass Unimak Pass and shipping safe transit lanes. This critical area experiences high levels of commercial shipping between the Pacific Northwest and Japan, with about 3,000 ships transiting annually. Surveys here will support safe navigation, protecting sensitive ecological resources and coastal tourism from the devastating effects of maritime accidents. Washington $1.3 million. Four surveys cover 34 square nautical miles. The surveys in Puget Sound encompass an area west of Tacoma and Commencement Bay. This project supports the efforts of the West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health and the Puget Sound Partnership. Data gathered during the survey will support safe marine transportation and characterize marine habitats. Coastal managers can also use the information to select appropriate sites for renewable energy projects and to monitor the effects of climate change. California $3 million. Four surveys cover 112 square nautical miles. These surveys in the approaches to the San Francisco Bay area contribute to the California Seafloor Mapping Project, a multi-year partnership to develop the first comprehensive and seamless maps of California's seafloor and marine resources. The data acquired in this project will enhance efforts to manage marine ecosystems and coastal resources, to identify obstructions to navigation, and to better understand the California coast's unique natural hazards. Louisiana $7 million. Seven surveys cover 441 square nautical miles. The surveys are located offshore of Terrebonne Bay, La. The area contains a high concentration of oil and gas production platforms and their associated pipelines. Supply vessels supporting oil and gas production, as well as the fishing fleet who navigate these waters rely on this information. Florida/Alabama $3.4 million. Three surveys cover 104 square nautical miles. These surveys encompass the safe transit lanes, anchorages and approaches to Pensacola. U.S. Navy ships, coastal shipping vessels and fishing vessels navigate these waters regularly and their safe transit relies on this information. Georgia/Florida $3 million. Five surveys cover 148 square nautical miles. The Brunswick, Ga. port is expanding after recent dredging operations requiring updated survey data for shippers and naval submarines transiting the area. Updated charts will also help to minimize the chance of ships striking endangered Right Whales and will benefit commercial and recreational fishermen who monitor bottom terrain. Virginia $4.3 million. Five surveys cover 125 square nautical miles in the busy southern Chesapeake Bay. An increase in marine commerce, including the transport of liquefied natural gas, as well as significant recreational boating makes this a critical area for charting. Virginia $4.1 million. Four surveys cover 219 square nautical miles in the Atlantic Ocean, most of which have not been surveyed since 1939 when lead line measurements were used. Heavy coastal shipping traffic in the area will benefit from updated charts. An additional $8.24 million in Recovery Act funds have been allocated for data collection activities that support the development of nautical charts and coastal planning. More information on funded projects nationwide is available on the NOAA Recovery Act Web site: www.noaa.gov/recovery. The public can follow the progress of each project on the recovery site, which will include an interactive online map that enables the public to track where and how NOAA recovery funds are spent. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit: http://www.noaa.gov.	Monday August, 20, 2009	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Secretary Locke, ARRA, map seafloor, collect data, costal areas, hydrographic survey, jobs, economy, waterways, marine transportation, ships, ecosystems, maritime, charts.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/28/2009 (03) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090728_03:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-29T13:34:51Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $616,441 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Milledgeville, Illinois	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRMilledgevilleIL072709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted a $616,441 grant to the Village of Milledgeville, IL. The grant will help build roadways and sewer service for a new industrial park and is expected to create jobs as well as boost private investment in the region.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $616,441 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Milledgeville, Illinois Monday, July 27, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, July 27, 2009 Contact: Bryan Borlik (202) 482-4085 U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $616,441 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Milledgeville, Illinois WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $616,441 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Village of Milledgeville, Ill., to help build roadways and sewer service for a new industrial park. The project, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and generate private investment in the region. "The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by building the infrastructure needed to serve a new industrial park." The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies. "A new industrial park will enhance Milledgeville's ability to attract new industry and foster economic expansion," U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said. "Today's Recovery Act funding will accelerate the project while creating good paying jobs within the community." "Milledgeville is demonstrating innovative approaches to regional economic and community development," U.S. Sen. Roland Burris said. "Projects like these show how engaged local leadership can provide its citizens with the best chance at leveraging federal and state dollars, and the progress that can be made when we all work together." The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.	7/27/2009	Grant; create jobs; Economic Development Administration; Secretary Locke; ARRA; economy; Milledgeville, IL; industrial park; Senator Dick Durbin; Senator Roland Burris

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/28/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090728_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-29T13:34:20Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $1.26 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Ladysmith, Wisconsin	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRLadysmithWI072709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted a $1.26 million grant to Ladysmith, WI. The grant will help expand the Meadowbrook Industrial Center and the Fritz Avenue Manufacturing Plant and is expected to create jobs as well as boost private investment in the region.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $1.26 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Ladysmith, Wisconsin Monday, July 27, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, July 27, 2009 Contact: Bryan Borlik (202) 482-4085 U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $1.26 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Ladysmith, Wisconsin WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.26 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Ladysmith, Wis., to help expand the Meadowbrook Industrial Center and the Fritz Avenue Manufacturing Plant industrial sites to meet an increased need for affordable leased operating space by the manufacturing sector. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region. "The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in the Ladysmith region by increasing the availability of affordable industrial manufacturing space for new and existing businesses." The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies. "Last year this country experienced the greatest economic collapse since the 1930's," U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, a key architect of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, said. "That has created a tremendous need for local economic development that creates jobs. I hope this will contribute significantly to the effort, because I know firsthand how much Rusk County needs this kind of help." "This grant, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will help create jobs and boost the local economy," U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl said. "Ladysmith is a beautiful community that will continue to grow through the expansions of the Meadowbrook Industrial Center and the Fritz Avenue Manufacturing Plant." The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.	7/27/2009	Grant; create jobs; Economic Development Administration; Secretary Locke; ARRA; economy; Ladysmith, WI; Rusk County; Meadowbrook Industrial Center; Fritz Avenue Manufacturing Plant; Senator Herb Kohl; U.S. Representative Dave Obey

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/28/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090728_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-29T13:33:22Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $184,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Kennedy, Minnesota	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRKennedyMN072709.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted an $184,000 grant to Kennedy, MN. The grant will help in renovating a school building into a business incubator and is expected to create jobs as well as boost private investment in the region.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $184,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Kennedy, Minnesota Monday, July 27, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, July 27, 2009 Contact: Bryan Borlik (202) 482-4085 U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $184,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Kennedy, Minnesota WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced an $184,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Kennedy, Minn., to help renovate a vacated school building for use as a business incubator. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region. "The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by building a business incubator to assist start-up businesses in the alternative energy and value-added food-processing sectors." The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies. "This investment will not only create new jobs, but by assisting entrepreneurs in starting new businesses, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil, protect the environment and strengthen our local economies in places like Kennedy," U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said. "Despite these tough economic times, Minnesota remains a great place for businesses and entrepreneurs," U.S. Sen. Al Franken said. "This recovery money to develop a business incubator in the town of Kennedy is a smart investment that will create jobs and strengthen the economies of both Kennedy and greater Minnesota." The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.	7/27/2009	Grant; create jobs; Economic Development Administration; Secretary Locke; ARRA; economy; Kennedy, MN; Senator Al Franken; Senator Amy Klobuchar

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/20/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090720_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-21T17:17:26Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NIST Awards $55.5 Million in Grants for New University Research Facilities	http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/20090720_cgp_awards.htm	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded more that $55.5 million in grants to four universities to construct new scientific research facilities. The four universities selected are the University of Miami (Miami, FL), Auburn University, the William Marsh Rice University, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The new scientific research buildings will enhance innovation, public safety, as well as environmental protection.	NIST Awards $55.5 Million in Grants for New University Research Facilities FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2009 CONTACT: Michael Baum (301) 975-2763 baum@nist.gov The U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced today that it is awarding grants totaling more than $55.5 million to four universities to provide cost-shared support for the construction of new scientific research facilities. "These awards mean four major construction projects in these local areas, with the jobs and economic benefits they bring," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said, "but even more important, these four projects provide a major boost to scientific research at four respected universities, enhancing innovation, public safety and environmental protection for many, many years to come." The cost-shared awards include: $15 million to the University of Miami (Miami, Fla.) for a Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Research Building, matched by $28.8 million; $14.4 million to Auburn University (Auburn, Ala.) for a Center for Advanced Science, Innovation and Commerce, matched by an equal amount; $11.1 million to the William Marsh Rice University (Houston, Texas) for the new Brockman Hall for Physics, matched by $33.4 million; and $15 million to the University of North Carolina Wilmington (Wilmington, N.C.) for a new facility for the Marine Biotechnology in North Carolina (MARBIONC) program, matched by an equal amount. The new research buildings will provide state-of-the-art laboratory facilities supporting academic research across a broad range of topics affecting the Commerce Department's mission, including fundamental physics research, nanotechnology, aquaculture and marine ecology. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided funding for the competitive program to help support the construction of new or expanded research science buildings. NIST allocated up to $60 million of its construction grant funding to meritorious but unfunded project proposals that were received in a 2008 research construction grant competition in order to move the Recovery Act dollars as quickly as possible. (See "NIST Awards $24 Million in Grants For New Research Facilities Dedicated to Quantum Measurement, Marine Ecology," Nov. 24, 2008.) That competition provided cost-shared funding for the construction of new buildings or the expansion of existing science buildings as they related to the mission of the Department of Commerce and its agencies, including NIST, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The competition was open to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations. Proposals were evaluated on the scientific and technical merits of the proposal, the quality of the design of the proposed facility and the adequacy of a project execution plan. NIST expects to award approximately $120 million in additional research construction grants under a new competition announced in May. (See "NIST Announces Competition for Research Construction Grants," May 27, 2009.) Those awards will be announced by March 2010. As a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additional Details on Winning Proposals Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Research Building University of Miami (Miami, Fla.) NIST Construction Grants Program: $15 million (32.3 percent) Total: $43,764,000 The new SUSTAIN facility to study the physics and dynamics of hurricanes and their impact on coastal structures will be part of this planned Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Research Building at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Artist rendering of planned building courtesy University of Miami. View hi-resolution image The planned Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater (MTLSS) Research Building to be built at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science will house state-of-the-art seawater laboratories and multidisciplinary research facilities dedicated to two major areas of coastal studies the destructive power of hurricanes and the biology of coastal waters. Hurricanes are the costliest natural disasters that strike the United States. A better understanding of how structures withstand or fail to withstand wind, wave and surge forces during a hurricane could lead to improved construction standards and practices to enhance resiliency and to protect human lives. The building will include an 8,520 square-foot (792 square-meter) Surge-Structure-Atmosphere Interaction (SUSTAIN) research facility to study the physics and dynamics of hurricanes and the associated impact of severe wind-driven and wave-induced storm surges on coastal structures. When complete, SUSTAIN will be the only facility in the world capable of generating hurricane force winds in a three-dimensional test environment allowing studies of the interaction of wind and water during coastal storms. The MTLSS also will include the 47,942 square-foot (4,454 square-meter) Marine Life Science Center (MLSC), a separately funded facility to support fundamental coastal biology research in areas such as coral reef biology, aquaculture, fisheries, biological oceanography and marine biomedical science. The MLSC will provide modern, technologically advanced facilities at the university. Both SUSTAIN and the MLSC will benefit from the building's ready access to fresh seawater. This integrated facility will provide significant new opportunities for interdisciplinary bio-physical research. Research at the new MTLSS will support the mission interests of NIST: to improve the understanding of the design of disaster-resistant structures. The new facility also will advance the interests of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the research goals of the University of Miami by providing a cutting-edge building that will provide an enhanced understanding of coral reefs, aquaculture, fisheries and marine ecosystems. The facility is expected to be completed by fall 2012. For further information: Barbra Gonzalez Media Relations Officer University of Miami, RSMAS (305) 421-4704 bgonzalez@rsmas.miami.edu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Center for Advanced Science, Innovation and Commerce Auburn University (Auburn, Ala.) NIST Construction Grants Program: $14,427,000 (50 percent) Total: $28,854,000 The planned Center for Advanced Science, Innovation and Commerce at Auburn University is designed to provide facilities for five major multidisciplinary research groups working on standards, measurement and forecasting related to the environment, biofuels and water and food quality and safety. The 68,000 square-foot (6,317 square-meter) center will house five "research clusters," bringing together research teams that at present are dispersed in several different locations on and off campus. The five research clusters include: Ecosystem Health Forecast and Marine Aquaculture Research Cluster continuing Auburn's long-standing and highly regarded aquaculture research program; Predictive Biology and Informatic Forecasting Research Cluster applying genome-based research to fundamental issues of biodiversity ecosystem maintenance as well as the development of commercial traits and genetic enhancement of commercially important marine species; Water Quality Standard and Detection Research Cluster supporting Auburn's research into improved sensor technologies for detecting biological and chemical contaminants in the water supply and investigating issues of water use and reuse, quality standards and water resource preservation; Biofuel Quality and Standard Research Cluster addressing the need for improved quality and performance standards to support large-scale commercialization of biofuels; and Detection and Food Quality and Safety Research Cluster to develop advanced sensors and measurement technologies to improve food quality and safety, including innovative in vivo sensors to monitor and accurately forecast the health of plants and animals. The 21 research laboratories in the new facility will include two simulation labs, three genomics labs, three labs for predictive biology and informatic forecasting, four labs for ecosystem health forecasting and marine aquaculture, two labs for water quality standards and detection, two labs for biofuels and quality standards, two labs for bioproducts, two labs for detection and food quality and safety, and one lab for economic impact and forecasting. The center's research on improved measurement technologies and standards in areas such as water, environmental quality and biofuels relates directly to the NIST mission, while its work in the areas of marine ecosystems and aquaculture will directly impact key mission areas of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The facility is expected to be completed by spring 2012. For further information: Brian Keeter Director of Public Affairs, The Office of the President Auburn University (334) 844-4650 bkeeter@auburn.edu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brockman Hall for Physics William Marsh Rice University (Houston, Texas) NIST Construction Grants Program: $11,130,000 (25 percent) Total: $44,520,000 Artist rendering of the planned new Brockman Hall for Physics at William Marsh Rice University. Courtesy of Rice University View hi-resolution image The planned Rice University Brockman Hall for Physics will allow the university to create a state-of-the-art facility that meets the exacting requirements of modern physics. This building will consolidate activities research in fundamental and applied physics which now are conducted in six different buildings across the campus and promote collaborative interactions. The 110,000 square-foot (10,219 square-meter) facility will include vibration- and noise-controlled laboratories located underground to support work in atomic, molecular and optical physics; biophysics; condensed matter physics; nanoengineering and photonics. In addition to vibration control, laboratories in the new building will have substantially better temperature, humidity and air-flow control than Rice's existing research facilities. The university has set a sustainable design goal for the building of a silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system. The Brockman Hall will include 16 physics labs, six engineering physics labs, faculty and graduate offices, conference rooms and a lecture hall. The building will house a significant portion of the Rice Department of Physics and Astronomy as well as faculty from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering who are pursuing research in applied physics. Rice has long-standing research ties with NIST, and the new facility will support research in a variety of areas with direct relevance to NIST's mission, including nanoscale science and technology, atomic physics, quantum physics, optical technology, electron and optical physics, microelectronics, semiconductor electronics and biophysics. Facility completion and occupant move-in are expected by spring 2011. For further information: Jade Boyd Associate Director & Science Editor, News & Media Relations Rice University (713) 348-6778 jadeboyd@rice.edu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marine Biotechnology in North Carolina (MARBIONC) University of North Carolina Wilmington (Wilmington, N.C.) NIST Construction Grants Program: $14,980,000 (50 percent) Total: $29,960,000 The planned new Marine Biotechnology in North Carolina (MARBIONC) facility at the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Center for Marine Sciences will be a state-of-the-art, research-to-product building for MARBIONC, a marine biotechnology research program in support of economic development for North Carolina. The MARBIONC program focuses on the application of marine biotechnology to food, health and energy. Research areas include drug discovery based on compounds from marine organisms, detection technologies for both human-origin marine pollutants and biotoxins from microorganisms, algae farming for biofuels and mariculture (marine aquaculture). The program's economic development mission includes workforce development, and it offers a unique "business of marine biotechnology" postdoctoral training program to allow marine scientists to combine laboratory training with study toward a masters degree in business administration. The 69,000 square-foot (6,410 square-meter) MARBIONC facility will include 12 laboratories and three large incubator laboratories for cultured research materials, as well as offices and meeting spaces. Research at the new MARBIONC facility will support the mission interests of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in oceans and human health, marine ecosystems and aquaculture as well as NIST mission interests in new detection and measurement technologies. The facility is expected to be completed by summer 2011. For further information: Prof. Daniel G. Baden University of North Carolina Wilmington (910) 962-2408 baden@uncw.edu	7/20/2009	Grant; create jobs; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Secretary Locke; ARRA; economy; University of Miami; Auburn University; William Marsh Rice University; University of North Carolina Wilmington; scientific research facility; physics research, nanotechnology; aquaculture; marine ecology.

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/13/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090713_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-14T14:30:08Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NOAA Administrator Announces Stimulus Fund Awards for Habitat Restoration in Oregon	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090710_newport.html	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has granted $7 million in funding to restore habitat projects throughout coastal Oregon. The three habitat projects selected are the Newport project, the restoration project in Eugene, and the Gold Ray Dam removal project in Medford. The projects will restore and enhance wetland habitat and as well as create jobs in the coastal Oregon region.	NOAA Administrator Announces Stimulus Fund Awards for Habitat Restoration in Oregon July 10, 2009 NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco at the fishing port in Newport today announced more than $7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to restore habitat projects throughout coastal Oregon. Three projects were selected in Oregon, including the Newport project, proposed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which received $699,000 to employ off-season commercial fishermen to remove 180 metric tons of derelict crab pots and other fishing gear along the Oregon coast. "This funding will employ fishermen in the off-season in green jobs that will stimulate the economy while creating healthier coastal communities," said Lubchenco. "Every season, thousands of crab traps, lines and buoys are lost off the Oregon Coast. They can trap marine wildlife as well as cause boating hazards. We expect the project will help us remove more than 4,000 lost crab pots, lines and other marine debris from Oregon's coastal waters." Other projects include a restoration project in Eugene, Ore., which received $1.6 million to restore and enhance 21 acres and two miles of the Willamette River riparian and wetland habitat, providing access to important refuge habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon; and the Gold Ray Dam removal project in Medford, Ore., which received $5 million to remove the dam and open more than 333 miles of the Rogue River and tributaries to steelhead, Chinook and endangered coho salmon. In February 2009, NOAA received $167 million from the Obama Administration's Recovery Act to restore coastal habitat and help jumpstart the nation's economy. Altogether, the agency received 814 proposals from 34 states and five territories, totaling more than $3 billion in requests. From these proposals, NOAA selected 50 high quality, high priority projects to restore U.S. coasts on a grand scale. These projects will create jobs and restore wetlands, salt marshes, oyster and coral reefs, as well as remove fish passage barriers on coastal rivers and streams. In addition to improving the environment, these efforts will assist recreational and commercial fishing, support more resilient coasts in the face of climate change, and create jobs many in areas of high unemployment. For more information on funded projects nationwide, go to the NOAA Recovery Act Web site. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the Web site, which includes an interactive online map that enables the public to track where and how NOAA recovery funds are spent. NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.	7/10/2009	Grant; create jobs; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Dr. Jane Lubchenco; ARRA; Gold Ray Dam; Eugene, OR; Medford, OR; infrastructure; economy; coastal habitat; wetlands; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Willamette River; Rogue River

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/10/2009 (02) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090710_02:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-14T14:29:47Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $843,052 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Muskogee, Oklahoma	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRMuskogeeOK.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted an $843,052 grant to the city of Muskogee, Oklahoma. The grant will provide infrastructure improvements and is expected to create jobs as well as boost private investment in the region.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $843,052 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Muskogee, Oklahoma Wednesday, July 8, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, July 8, 2009 Contact: Bryan Borlik (202) 482-4085 U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $843,052 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Muskogee, Oklahoma WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced an $843,052 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Muskogee County and the city of Muskogee, Okla., to help make roadway improvements to serve the Harris-Shawnee Corridor Development Project. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region. "The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help put people to work and boost private investment in the region by building the roadway infrastructure needed to support business expansion plans and serve future business needs." The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies. The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.	7/8/2009	Grant; create jobs; Economic Development Administration; Secretary Locke; ARRA; infrastructure; economy; Harris-Shawnee Corridor Development Project; Muskogee, Oklahoma

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/10/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090710_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-14T14:29:27Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $600,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Richland Center, Wisconsin	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRRichlandWI.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted a $600,000 grant to Richland Center, Wisconsin. The grant will provide infrastructure improvements to the North Industrial Park and is expected to create jobs as well as boost private investment in the region.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $600,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Richland Center, Wisconsin Wednesday, July 8, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, July 8, 2009 Contact: Bryan Borlik (202) 482-4085 U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $600,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Richland Center, Wisconsin WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $600,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Richland Center, Wis., to provide infrastructure improvements needed to expand the North Industrial Park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is expected to create additional jobs and encourage private investment in the region. "The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help put people to work and boost private investment in the region by improving the infrastructure necessary to expand the North Industrial Park." The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies. "This grant, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will work to help reinvigorate the local economy," U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl said. "Richland Center has unexplored potential and the grant works twofold by getting people back on their feet by creating local jobs and helping the economy through expansion of the industrial park." "This grant will provide the crucial funding to help Richland Center further develop the industrial park, providing the tools for businesses to expand and invest in the area," U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said. "I am pleased to see important economic recovery funds flowing into the district, creating a number of jobs in the Richland Center community and paving the way for long run economic success and stability in our state." The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.	7/8/2009	Grant; create jobs; Economic Development Administration; Secretary Locke; ARRA; infrastructure; economy; Richland Center, Wisconsin; North Industrial Park

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/07/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090707_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-14T14:29:04Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
NTIA Unveils Program to Help States Map Internet Infrastructure Program to Help Create National Broadband Map, Consumers with Service Availability	http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_mapping_090701.html	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has established the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program will provide $240 million in grants to assist states in collecting broadband data which will assist NTIA in creating a national broadband map.	NTIA UNVEILS PROGRAM TO HELP STATES MAP INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE Program to Help Create National Broadband Map, Consumers with Service Availability FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2009 CONTACT: Mark Tolbert 202-482-8176 or press@ntia.doc.gov. WASHINGTON - The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced details of a grant program to fund collection of state-level broadband data, as well as state-wide broadband mapping and planning, which will assist NTIA in creating a national broadband map. This initiative will provide consumers with better information on the broadband services available to them and inform efforts to increase broadband availability nationwide. "This program satisfies Congress' mandate that we collect comprehensive information on broadband in America," said NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "These data will be used to create the national broadband map, and in addition states will be able to create their own broadband maps tailored to their specific needs. These will be important tools for understanding and improving broadband access and adoption in the United States." The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a competitive, merit-based matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The Program will provide approximately $240 million in grants to assist states or their designees to develop state-specific data on the deployment levels and adoption rates of broadband services. These data, including publicly available state-wide broadband maps, will also be used to develop the comprehensive, interactive national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011. The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address, and broadband service providers will have the option to make their identity available. NTIA's grant awards can also include funding for state broadband planning. Planning projects may include, for example, efforts to identify barriers to broadband adoption in a state and creation of local technology planning teams. Awardees will be required to provide at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. While the BDIA mandates that each state may have only a single, eligible entity perform the mapping, each state's applicant will be carefully evaluated under the standards described in NTIA's Notice of Funds Availability. If an applicant does not meet the program standards, it will not receive funding and NTIA may perform the necessary broadband data collection. Applications will be accepted through the online grants.gov system from July 14, 2009, at 8 a.m. EDT until August 14, 2009	7/1/2009	Grant; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; ARRA; Broadband Data Improvement Act; Lawrence E. Strickling; State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program; broadband; internet; infrastructure

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/02/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090702_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-14T14:28:40Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Commerce Secretary Locke, Vice President Biden Launch Initiative to Bring Broadband, Jobs to More Americans	http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008136	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, Secretary Locke and Vice President Biden along with the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced the availability of $4 billion in ARRA loans and grants to help bring broadband service to unserved and underserved, areas across America. These funds will expand broadband access to inner-city neighborhoods and rural communities as well as create jobs building high-speed Internet infrastructure.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Wednesday, July 1, 2009 202-482-4883 Commerce Secretary Locke, Vice President Biden Launch Initiative to Bring Broadband, Jobs to More Americans Announce Availability of the $4 Billion in Recovery Act Loans and Grants to Increase Broadband Access and Adoption WATTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Commerce Secretary Locke joined Vice President Biden today to announce the availability of $4 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loans and grants to help bring broadband service to unserved and underserved communities across America. This is the first round of Recovery Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access to help bridge the technological divide and create jobs building out Internet infrastructure. Locke and Biden were joined today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper at Seneca High School, the first stop on the President's National Rural Tour. "Today's announcement is a first step toward realizing President Obama's vision of a nationwide 21st-century communications infrastructure one that encourages economic growth, enhances America's global competitiveness and helps address many of America's most pressing challenges," Biden said. The Recovery Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to accelerate broadband deployment in areas of the country that have been without the high-speed infrastructure. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas in the United States, expand public computer center capacity and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will invest $2.5 billion to facilitate broadband deployment in rural communities. "The Commerce Department's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program will reach the last frontiers of America's information landscape, and the investments it makes in inner-city neighborhoods and rural communities will spur innovation and pave the way for private capital to follow," Locke said. "This first wave of funding will help create jobs, jumpstart additional investment and provide model projects that can better inform our national broadband strategy." "The funding we're announcing today will carry out President Obama's goal to expand broadband to communities that lack access to it," Vilsack said. "The President is committed to bringing the educational and economic benefits of the Internet to all communities." "Access to high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury, but an essential tool to compete in this 21st-century economy. The availability of this technology is critical to attracting the business and development that will create the good paying jobs that stay in the United States," Dahlkemper said. "I am so pleased that Vice President Biden and the administration chose Western Pennsylvania to announce this critical broadband initiative - a region that will benefit from this strategic investment." NTIA and RUS will be accepting applications for loans, grants and loan/grant combinations to be awarded by each agency under a single application form. This collaborative approach will ensure that the agencies' activities are complementary and integrated, make the best use of taxpayer funds and make it easier for applicants to apply for funding. This is the first of three rounds of funding the Agriculture and Commerce Departments will provide. Biden also announced today that Commerce and USDA officials will host public workshops in July to share information about the funding availabilities and the application process. Forums will be held in Boston, Mass.; Charleston, W.Va.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Memphis, Tenn.; Lonoke, Ark.; Birmingham, Ala.; Billings, Mont.; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Los Angeles, Calif. Applications will be accepted beginning July 14, 2009, through 5:00 p.m. EDT on August 14, 2009. The complete details of this Notice of Funding Availability are available at http://www.broadbandusa.gov. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief and protect those in greatest need. More information about efforts regarding the Recovery Act is available at www.usda.gov/recovery, www.commerce.gov/recovery and www.recovery.gov.	7/1/2009	Grant; create jobs; Vice President Biden; Secretary Locke; ARRA; infrastructure; economy; broadband; Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack; Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski; Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper; President's National Rural Tour; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service; Western Pennsylvania

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 07/01/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090701_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-14T14:28:18Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $167 Million in Recovery Act Funding for 50 Coastal Restoration Projects	http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090630_restoration.html	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has granted $167 million in funding for marine and coastal habitat restoration. 50 habitat restoration projects in the coastal and Great Lakes communities were selected from a pool of 814 applicants. The funds will be used to restore damaged wetlands, shellfish beds, coral reefs and reopen fish passages. This project will create jobs and build stronger and healthier coastal communities that will boost our nation's long-term economic health	Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $167 Million in Recovery Act Funding for 50 Coastal Restoration Projects June 30, 2009 Staking Eyak Lake. High resolution (Credit: NOAA) Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced today 50 habitat restoration projects that will restore damaged wetlands, shellfish beds, coral reefs and reopen fish passages that boost the health and resiliency of our nation's coastal and Great Lakes communities. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was provided $167 million for marine and coastal habitat restoration. "These Recovery Act projects will put Americans to work while restoring our coasts and combating climate change," Locke said. "They reflect our investment in sound science and commitment to help strengthen local economies." Healthy coastal habitats are critical to the recovery and sustainability of the U.S. economy. Coastal areas generate more than 28 million jobs in the United States. Commercial and recreational fishing employs 1.5 million people and contributes $111 billion to the nation's economy. "NOAA is investing in green jobs for Americans to restore habitat for valuable fish and wildlife and strengthen coastal communities, making them more resilient to storms, sea-level rise and other effects of climate change," Commerce under secretary of oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco said. "In addition to the immediate jobs created by the projects, stronger and healthier coastal communities will boost our nation's long-term economic health." Merrimack dam removal. High resolution (Credit: NOAA) A significant number of these coastal and Great Lakes restoration projects in 22 states and two territories are in areas with some of the highest unemployment rates, including the states of California, Oregon, and Michigan. The projects will employ Americans with a range of skills including laborers, nursery workers, design engineers, restoration ecologists, landscape architects, hydrologists, and specialized botanists. In addition to direct jobs, the projects are estimated to create indirect jobs in industries that supply materials and administrative, clerical, and managerial services. When complete, the projects will have restored more than 8,900 acres of habitat and removed obsolete and unsafe dams that open more than 700 stream miles where fish migrate and spawn. The projects also will remove more than 850 metric tons of debris, rebuild oyster and other shellfish habitat, and reduce threats to 11,750 acres of coral reefs. Reflooding a salt marsh. High resolution (Credit: NOAA) The 50 projects were chosen from a pool of 814 proposals totaling more than $3 billion in requests. The agency worked through a rigorous selection process to identify and prioritize projects meeting the Recovery Act's criteria. More than 200 technical reviewers from across NOAA worked in groups to review all the applications and the top 109 were chosen for panel review. Proposals were ranked by overall quality and with consideration given to program priority areas and geography. The determining criteria were that projects meet NOAA's highest priority mission needs for ecological restoration, be "shovel ready" and generate the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time, and create lasting value for the American public. For further information on funded projects nationwide, go to the NOAA Recovery Act Web site. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the recovery Web site, which will include an interactive online map that enables the public to track where and how NOAA recovery funds are spent. The 50 projects that will receive funding are: Northeast Tingue Dam Bypass and Naugatuck River Restoration (Seymour, Conn.) $2.5 million Constructs a bypass around the Tingue Dam and restores 32 miles of historic migratory fish passage for American shad, river herring, sea-run brown trout, and the American eel on the Naugatuck River. New Haven and East Lyme Marsh Restoration (New Haven, Conn.) $1.5 million Remedies three dysfunctional tide gates and restores 108 acres of tidal marsh and open habitat on the West River and Bride Brook lake. Patapsco River Restoration (Baltimore, Md.) $4 million Removes the Union and Simkins dams on the Patapsco River, opening 8 river miles for alewife, blueback herring, and American eel. This project is part of a much larger coastal conservation initiative to restore more than 30 miles in the Patapsco River Watershed for diadromous and resident fish species. Piscataway Park Living Shoreline Restoration (Accokeek, Md.) $1 million Restores 2 acres as "living shorelines" along the Potomac River, providing fish habitat and erosion protection, as well as protection for 30 acres of freshwater wetland and a threatened Native American archeological site. Great Works Dam Removal (Great Works, Maine) $6.1 million Removes the Great Works Dam, which is part of a greater initiative to eventually restore and open more than 1,000 miles of river for endangered Atlantic salmon and other fish species. Maine Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration (Washington County, Maine) $1.7 million Removes fish passage barriers throughout the Machias River watershed, opening 66 miles of habitat for endangered Atlantic salmon and other migratory fish species. Stony Brook Salt Marsh and Fish Passage Restoration (Brewster, Mass.) $1.3 million Replaces undersized culverts and improves fish passage to 20 acres of ponds that provide habitat for herring and American eel, as well as protect the local community from storm surge and flooding. Winnicut River Fish Passage Restoration (Greenland, N.H.) $500,000 Removes the Winnicut Dam and installs a fish passage structure under an upstream bridge, restoring passage to more than 39 miles of habitat for migratory fish. Lincoln Park Wetland Restoration (Jersey City, N.J.) $10.5 million Restores 30 acres of a larger 80-acre coastal wetland in the urban industrialized area of the Hackensack River basin. Rhode Island River Ecosystem Restoration (Providence, R.I.) $3 million Opens fish passage at six high-priority places throughout Rhode Island, including four fish and eel ladders and two dam removals. Virginia Seaside Bays Restoration (Hog Island, Va.) $2 million Restores 124 acres of native oysters and seagrass, and re-introduces two million juvenile bay scallops from the Chincoteague inlet to the Chesapeake Bay. Southeast Coastal Alabama Restoration (Bayou la Batre, Ala.) $2.9 million Rebuilds oyster reef and natural breakwater structures along 1.5 miles of shoreline. 19 acres of property will be protected by this project. Lost River Preserve Restoration (St. Petersburg, Fla.) $750,000 Rebuilds 43 acres of estuarine, freshwater wetlands and restore native vegetation, also reconnecting to the Cockroach Bay Preserve. Northeast Florida Wetland Restoration (Merritt Island/Cape Canaveral, Fla.) $2.7 million Removes hydrological barriers and restores 1,002 acres of intertidal coastal wetlands, salt marsh and mangrove stands, which serve as nursery habitat for a number of commercially and recreationally important fish. Indian River Lagoon Restoration (Stuart, Fla.) $4 million Surveys and enhances oyster reefs in the nationally significant Indian River Lagoon. Grande Isle Shoreline Restoration (Grande Isle, La.) $4 million Bio-engineers 5 acres of living shoreline along the Louisiana coastline, resulting in the restoration and protection of 300 acres of vulnerable marsh habitat. Mississippi River Tidal Marsh Restoration (Myrtle Grove, La.) $3 million Hydraulically dredges sediment from the Mississippi River to create 50 acres of intertidal marsh to support recreationally and commercially important fisheries as well as help to reduce storm surge and flooding. Coastal Carolina Restoration (Cape Hatteras, N.C.) $5 million Rebuilds 49 acres of oyster reefs across coastal North Carolina, restoring the productivity of naturally occurring oysters in nearby estuaries. City of Charleston Shoreline Restoration (Charleston, S.C.) $750,000 Creates or restores Charleston area estuarine marshes including nearly 200 acres of degraded salt march by stabilizing shorelines and increasing tidal exchange. West Galveston Bay Estuary Restoration (Galveston, Texas) $5.1 million Restores 329 acres of intertidal wetlands in Galveston Bay, which serve as a nursery for recreational and commercial fish species in the Gulf of Mexico. USVI Watershed Stabilization (St. John/St. Croix, V.I.) $2.7 million Reduces sediment runoff through road stabilization, native plantings, beach access restrictions, and monitoring on St. Croix and St. John. Threatened Coral Recovery and Restoration (Fla. and V.I.) $3.3 million Recovers one acre of coral reefs in eight distinct areas of the Caribbean by growing coral in seafloor nurseries and transplanting them to depleted reef sites, tripling their natural recovery rate. Great Lakes Milwaukee River and Watershed Restoration (Port Washington, Wisc.) $4.7 million Removes a number of fish passage barriers and a dam, enhance watershed habitat and reconnect 158 stream miles to Lake Michigan. Dunes Creek Watershed Restoration (Hammond, Ind.) $1.4 million Restores and reconnects Lake Michigan to nearly six miles of stream spawning habitat for migratory fish. Muskegon Lake Restoration (Muskegon, Mich.) $10 million Restores 24 acres of wetland and stabilizes shoreline at 10 separate locations for this Great Lakes Area of Concern. Northwest Southeast Alaska Salmon Habitat Restoration $992,000 Remedies a barrier on the Klawock River, restoring passage for migrating juvenile salmon to 460 acres of estuarine eelgrass habitat. Eyak Lake Restoration (Cordova, Alaska) $973,900 Opens 1.5 miles of upstream river habitat, as well as restores 2,400 acres of Eyak Lake salmon spawning, rearing and wintering habitat. This also includes restoring 20 percent of the lake's fresh water circulation. Kenai Peninsula Salmon Habitat Restoration (Moose Pass, Alaska) $1.5 million Restores 10.7 miles of river and 11.4 acres of a manmade channel into a natural stream to benefit Chinook, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon. Alaska Marine Debris Removal and Restoration $1 million Conducts a statewide coastal marine debris removal of a total of 466 metric tons at multiple locations throughout rural coastal Alaska. A large derelict vessel removal will be implemented through this award. Gold Ray Dam Removal (Medford, Ore.) $5 million Removes the Gold Ray Dam and opens more than 333 miles of the Rogue River to steelhead, Chinook, and endangered coho salmon. Delta Ponds Restoration (Eugene, Ore.) $1.6 million Restores and enhances 21 acres and two miles of the Willamette River riparian and wetland habitat by removing invasive plants and constructing channels between seven ponds, providing access to important refuge habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon. Oregon Fishing Industry Restoration Partnership (Seal Rock, Ore.) $699,000 Employs crab fisherman to help remove derelict Dungeness crab pots and other fishing gear for a total of 180 metric tons of marine debris removal. Elwha River Floodplain Restoration (Port Angeles, Wash.) $2 million In conjunction with the Elwha Dam removal, this project restores 82 acres of the floodplain of the lower Elwha River through the removal of dikes and culverts, re-vegetation and invasive species control. Removal of Derelict Fishing Gear in Puget Sound (Seattle, Wash.) $4.5 million Removes over 200 metric tons of marine debris, including over 3,000 net removals, and restore 600 acres of habitat. Smuggler's Slough Nooksack River Restoration (Bellingham, Wash.) $1.7 million Raises a roadway and reconnects tidal exchange for 493 acres of Smuggler's Slough channel that will flow to restored salt marsh and eelgrass habitat in Lummi Bay. Seven miles of slough habitat will also be opened as a result of this project. Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration (Marysville, Wash.) $2 million Restores 350 acres of wetland and 16 stream miles of fish passage for several species of salmon on the lower Snohomish River and its surrounding tidal floodplain by removing levees, excavating channels and planting native vegetation and trees. Fisher Slough Marsh Restoration (Burlington, Wash.) $5.2 million Restores 60 acres of the Skagit River floodplain by replacing antiquated agriculture floodgates and restoring 15 miles of high quality habitat for chum, coho, threatened Chinook salmon, and other important species. Hansen Creek Floodplain Restoration (Milltown, Wash.) $988,000 Excavates and reconnects 140 acres of forested floodplain habitat and install woody debris for chum, coho , threatened Chinook salmon, and other important species. Southwest South San Diego Bay Restoration (San Diego, Calif.) $2.9 million Restores tidal circulation to former salt ponds, restore 120 acres of intertidal wetlands, as well as removes non-native vegetation and replaces it with native estuarine plants. California Coastal Fisheries Restoration Partnership $1.5 million Employs California Conservation Corps members to complete more than 20 identified coastal restoration activities that benefit threatened and endangered salmon throughout coastal California. Elkhorn Slough Restoration (Watsonville, Calif.) $3.9 million Restores tidal flow, reduces erosion, and creates long-term protection and erosion control for more than seven acres of wetland directly and 450 acres overall. This project also prevents seawater intrusion into the coastal aquifer, which supports more than $100 million annually in agricultural production. San Francisco South Salt Pond Restoration (San Francisco, Calif.) $7.6 million Opens and restores more than 1,990 acres of three former salt ponds to tidal flow, as well as reinitiating the removal of Spartina alterniflora, an invasive wetland plant on the U.S. West Coast. American Canyon Salt Pond Restoration (San Francisco, Calif.) $8.5 million Restores wetlands and re-create tidal flow to improve 1,135 acres of habitat for threatened Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and green sturgeon by removing levees around former salt ponds. Salmon Creek Restoration (Bodega, Calif.) $1.5 million Restores four acres of a streamside corridor and in-stream habitat for endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout by installing rain catchment tanks to improve instream flow, planting native vegetation, and implementing other stream-related restoration activities to benefit fisheries resources. Lower Klamath Riparian Restoration and Tribal Plant Nursery (Bodega, Calif.) $527,000 Restores nine acres of in-stream and streamside river habitat of the lower Klamath River to benefit threatened coho salmon as well as Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Big Springs Shasta River Restoration (Big Springs, Calif.) $1.6 million Restores habitat for chinook, steelhead, and threatened coho salmon by planting 20 acres of native vegetation and incorporating new agriculture conservation measures to enhance water quality, including a fence to exclude cattle from 70 acres of the riparian habitat. Magnolia Marsh Restoration (Huntington Beach, Calif.) $3.3 million Restores more than 41 acres of an urban tidal marsh by expanding rearing habitat for many species of marine and coastal fish. Pacific Islands Maunalua Bay Reef Restoration (Maunalua Bay, Hawaii) $3.4 million Restores 23 acres of coral reefs through manual removal of invasive algae. Laolao Bay Coastal Restoration (LaoLao Beach/Saipan, CNMI) $2.9 million In coordination with the grantee, NOAA will directly invest Recovery Act funds to restore Saipan's coral reefs by removing and addressing sources of upland sediment. This will include restoring 15 acres of upland habitat , road upgrades, drainage improvements, and elimination of unsustainable beach activities. Pelekane Bay Watershed Restoration (Pelekane Bay, Hawaii) $2.7 million Restores more than 1,463 acres of coastal and marine habitat by reducing sediment and runoff impacts to coral reefs through erosion control and replanting native upland vegetation. NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.	6/30/2009	Grant; create jobs; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Secretary Locke; ARRA; infrastructure; economy; marine habitat; coastal habitat; Great Lakes; wetlands; fish passages; shellfish beds; coral reefs

Agencies

(001) Legislative Branch

(005) Department of Agriculture

(006) Department of Commerce

(007) Department of Defense--Military

(018) Department of Education

(019) Department of Energy

(009) Department of Health and Human Services

(024) Department of Homeland Security

(025) Department of Housing and Urban Development

(010) Department of the Interior

(011) Department of Justice

(012) Department of Labor

(014) Department of State

(021) Department of Transportation

(015) Department of the Treasury

(029) Department of Veterans Affairs

(202) Corps of Engineers-Civil Works

(020) Environmental Protection Agency

(023) General Services Administration

(184) International Assistance Programs

(026) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(422) National Science Foundation

(028) Small Business Administration

(016) Social Security Administration

(485) Corporation for National and Community Service

(356) Federal Communications Commission

(417) National Endowment for the Arts

(446) Railroad Retirement Board

(539) Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board

(452) Smithsonian Institution

Major Communication 06/27/2009 (01) tag:recovery.commerce.gov,20090627_01:/feeds/majorcommunications/entry 2009-07-14T14:27:47Z

Short title of communication	Link to Communications Item	Type of Major Communication (Press Release, Video, Press Event, Other)	Short (no more than 5 sentences) overview of the main communications points	Text of Major Communication	Date and time of communication	Additional citizen friendly tags that can be used on Recovery.gov to help present the news items (separate tags with ";")
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Pasco, Washington	http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PRPascoWA062309.xml	Press Release	As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the Economic Development Administration has granted $1.5 million to the Port of Pasco in Pasco, Washington. The grant will be used to provide infrastructure improvements at the Big Pasco Industrial Center, and is expected to create jobs as well as private investment in the region.	U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Pasco, Washington Tuesday, June 23, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, June 23, 2009 Contact: Bryan Borlik (202) 482-4085 U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.5 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Pasco, Washington WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Port of Pasco in Pasco, Wash., to help improve nine large warehouse bays at the Big Pasco Industrial Center. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region. "The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help make improvements to the Big Pasco Industrial Center so that it can accommodate manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, and business incubator needs ultimately creating jobs." The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies. "This is another example of Recovery Act funding going to support the unique economic needs of the Tri-Cities," U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, chair of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, said. "The Big Pasco Industrial Center is a gateway for local businesses to access rail, major highway systems, the Tri-Cities Airport and the Columbia River. By investing in the Big Pasco Industrial Center we a