By Scott Harvey
– A $30 million grant for broadband Internet service to rural Northeast Texas was discussed Friday by area officials.
The Ark-Tex Council of Governments is currently working in partnership with the East Texas Council of Governments and Texas A&M University-Commerce to apply for dual grants under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, a 2009 Recovery Act program.
If funded, fiber-optic cables would be installed along major highways like U.S. Highway 82 and 271, with extensions to locations such as schools and hospitals.
Area governing bodies are being asked to pass resolutions in support of the project and individual businesses and other organizations to submit letters of support in time for a March 26 grant proposal deadline.
For further information, contact Williamson or Genevieve Burtchell at 903-832-8636 or e-mail ldwilliamson(at)atcog.org.