ECD Announces Rural Technology Grants for Existing Initiatives
$500,000 Awarded to SWTDD, Hardeman and McNairy Counties for Technology Research Programs
NASHVILLE — Governor Phil Bredesen and Commissioner Matt Kisber, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, announced today the recipients of the Existing Initiatives Grant Class of the Rural Technology Assistance Grants. Three Tennessee communities will receive a total of $500,000 in grant money to continue and extend previously funded regional technology research programs.
“Successful economic development begins with solid community development. These grants supporting broadband and other technology initiatives will be instrumental in laying the groundwork for future growth and job creation in rural areas of our state,” Governor Phil Bredesen said.
“Approaching rural economic development with an innovative and out-of-the box mindset is critical if we want to see all of Tennessee grow and prosper,” ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber said. “These grants are a unique way of encouraging and supporting the advancement of technology, which is good for not only individual communities, but our state as a whole.”
The Rural Technology Assistance Grants are for programs and services that increase technology usage and/or availability in rural counties. The grants will be allocated in two categories addressing existing initiatives and new initiatives separately.
Recipients of the Existing Initiatives Grant Class Are:
• Southwest Tennessee Development District: $225,000 for the West Tennessee Broadband Expansion, Adoption and Job Creation Program.
• Hardeman County: $225,000 for the Hardeman County K-12 Broadband Adoption and Technology Program.
• McNairy County Schools: $50,000 for the McNairy County Schools Laptop Program.
The New Initiatives Grant Category will allocate $1,500,000 to competitive grants that address expansion of broadband connectivity in rural counties, decrease K-12 student-to-computer ratios in rural counties, or expand rural distance learning opportunities.
Applications for the New Initiatives Grant Category of the Rural Technology Assistance Grants must be received by the Department of Economic and Community Development by 4:30 p.m. Central on Sept. 10, 2009, and award announcements will follow on or before Sept. 15, 2009.
Grant applications must be submitted to the Community Development division of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. An independent panel will evaluate the applications using a 100-point scale taking into account criteria such as project impact, number of citizens served, project sustainability and the ability of the applicant to implement the program’s goals.
Rules and requirements for the application process are available at the ECD web site at www.tnecd.gov. Applications and supporting documents must be mailed to:
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Attn: Leslie-Joi Davis
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue North
10th floor
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2373
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tnecd.gov.
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Contact: Michaela Jackson
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: michaela.jackson@tn.gov
