Wednesday, Mar 27 2013 3:05PM
Government agencies in Arizona reached an agreement to apply for funding to boost broadband in rural areas.
Several counties in Arizona have reached an intergovernmental agreement that will allow the southeastern council of governments (COG) to apply for federal funds through the state's Digital Arizona Program, according to Wick Communications.
The funding will allow the governments to provide broadband services to rural Cochise, Santa Cruz, Greenlee and Graham counties. The agreement will allow the counties to apply for thousands in planning grants and technical grants.
County Grant Administrator Lisa Marra said additional funding will promote a number of economic community development initiatives and provide more employment opportunities to residents.
"Arizona's rural residents and businesses do not have the availability of broadband services," Marra explained to the news source. "This lack of broadband services negatively impacts their lives by limiting available jobs, educational opportunities and health care services. It is also a major safety factor for our law enforcement and first responder personnel."
More rural locations are seeking out greater access to broadband services in an effort to secure the resources they need to increase job growth. The expansion of broadband connectivity can help increase sales among retailers, improve business efficiency and help small towns overcome geographical hurdles.
For more information, check out this resource: Wick Communications