Governor Perdue Announces Funding for Wireless Communities Georgia
| Thursday, July 26, 2007 |
Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774
|
Informational Workshop to be Held August 22
ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue has announced the availability of an additional $1 million to assist local communities in establishing wireless broadband networks through the Wireless Communities Georgia Program (WCG).
At Governor Perdue’s request, the General Assembly appropriated funds for the program during the 2007 legislative session. The Governor’s program supports the development of wireless broadband networks in communities to promote economic development, expand educational opportunities, and improve the availability and efficiency of government services. Funds from the program were first distributed to local communities in 2006.
“The Wireless Communities program will make sure that all Georgia communities are ready for the 21st century,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “As our world grows increasingly flat, broadband is the new dial tone. We cannot imagine any business, much less an entire community, operating without one.”
A free informational workshop for communities interested in applying for funding through the Governor’s program will be hosted by the Georgia Technology Authority on Wednesday, August 22, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will take place at the Capitol Education Center, 180 Central Avenue, in Atlanta.
The workshop will be led by Civitium, which specializes in wireless technology. The workshop will
- give an overview of Wi-Fi and wireless technology,
- educate attendees about the application process, policies and potential roadblocks, and
- describe the economics and metrics necessary to manage a Wi-Fi network.
Online registration for the workshop is available at www.gta.georgia.gov/wcg.
Interested communities can also participate in the workshop by videoconference at the following locations:
- Albany, 1700 Radium Springs Road
- Athens, 1130 Mitchell Bridge Road
- Augusta, 1832 Wylds Road
- Columbus, 7206 Schomburg Road
- Milledgeville, 164 Swint Avenue
- Rome, 500 Riverside Parkway
- Savannah, 9104 Middleground Road
City and county governments and local government authorities are eligible to apply for funding. Recipients will be required to provide a minimum match of 50 percent of project costs. Priority will be given to networks operated by private-sector partners, and local and state government agencies are expected to be “anchor tenants” of the wireless networks.
Applications for funding and complete details about the wireless program are available from the Georgia Technology Authority at www.gta.georgia.gov/wcg.
The deadline for submitting applications is September 28, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Decisions about funding will be announced in November, 2007.
For more information, contact Mr. Richard Calhoun at 404.463.5906 or rcalhoun@gta.ga.gov.