Economic Development Technology News

MD Counties Seek $100M in Stimulus Funds for Broadband Network

Ellicott City, Md. -- A group representing eight central Maryland counties, plus the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis, said that it has applied for $100 million in federal stimulus money to build a regional broadband network.

The project, dubbed the "One Maryland Broadband Plan," would use fiber optics to connect more than 800 local government institutions. Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said that the network would "strengthen public safety and emergency management, enhance education, improve health care, spur economic development, increase government efficiency and expand broadband access to millions."

Ira Levy, Howard County's IT director, is spearheading the project, which will be reviewed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

The “One Maryland” group consists of all of the central Maryland counties: Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, Harford, Carroll, Prince George’s, Montgomery and Frederick, plus Baltimore City and Annapolis.

http://www.howardcountymd.gov/News/News_20090817.htm/

Return to Technology News Main Page