Illinois ResourceNet (IRN) technical assistance provider Jenny Garner provided direct assistance to the East Central Region of the Illinois Broadband Opportunity Partnership (IBOP) on the Broadband Opportunity in Illinois Grant.
The award will help in the expansion and improvement of the Illinois Century Network by:
- Providing ultra high-speed access in 55 counties
- Creating more than 160 jobs
- Connecting about 400 community institutions
Background
On September 8th, 2010, Governor Pat Quinn announced the launch of a nearly $100 million project to construct more than 1,000 new miles of high-speed fiber optic broadband infrastructure in 55 Illinois counties. Supported by Illinois Jobs Now! capital funding, a $62 million competitive federal award will modernize Illinois’ high-tech infrastructure, creating approximately 676 jobs and serving more than 285,000 businesses and nearly four million households.
Read Governor Quinn’s Press Release
Governor Quinn Announces $106 Million in Funds
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity News Release
“Building information infrastructure brings jobs and high-speed Internet access to under-served areas,” said Governor Quinn. “This significant federal funding is a major win for Illinois and will support economic development across our state.” Read more
Listen to Governor Pat Quinn’s Press Conference
Governor Quinn Announces $106 Million
How will IBOP Help Connect Illinois residents to the Internet?
What is the East Central Region of the Illinois Broadband Opportunity Partnership?
On Tuesday, September 28, 2010, the 13 recipients of Governor Pat Quinn’s Broadband in Illinois federal funding convened at the first meeting of the statewide partnership. Charles Benton, Chairman of Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI) hosted the gathering and congratulated each grant recipient for their specific involvement in coordinating and implementing the statewide effort to connect Illinois residents to the digital community.
