The Department of Commerce has announced that the Florida Rural Broadband Alliance (FRBA) has been awarded nearly $24 million to deploy a network designed to provide broadband access to improve education, public health and safety services and economic development opportunities. Formed by Florida's Heartland REDI in the South and Opportunity Florida in Northwest Florida these two economic development organizations teamed to compete for funding this life-changing project. Government Services Group manages FRBA administration and will be responsible for grant administration. The grant is part of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program to expand broadband access and adoption across the United States. It is part of the Recovery Act Investments Stimulus Package.
This project will deploy the “Middle Mile” of critical infrastructure to link large scale service providers with local, retail service providers. The FRBA network will deploy microwave, fixed wireless architecture and technology. It is designed to deliver high capacity and cost-effective Middle Mile infrastructure extending the Internet backbone and providing a platform for education, health care and public safety services, economic development and a host of benefits. In short, this project will open these communities to the rest of the world.
FRBA is comprised of two Rural Areas of Critical Economic Concern (RACECs) established by Florida’s Governor. The South Central RACEC includes DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee Counties as well as the unincorporated area of Immokalee in Collier County and Seminole tribal lands. The Northwest RACEC includes Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty and Washington Counties. These two RACECs represent nearly 20 percent of the land area of the State of Florida and have a total population of 437,946, but only 39 percent have broadband access.
“This shows how regional cooperation is essential to the economic growth and vitality of northwest Florida's rural counties,” said Rick Marcum, Executive Director of Opportunity Florida. “With this grant our economic development efforts will take a giant leap forward. The Opportunity Florida region has some of the most beautiful real estate in Florida. We have dedicated leadership in both the public and private sectors. With high-speed broadband access, we’ll be extremely competitive in the marketplace for good jobs, enhanced education and health care.”
“This is not just Opportunity Florida and FHREDI,“ said Johnny Eubanks, Chairman, FRBA. “In each of these areas, private sector, public sector and nonprofits have come together and committed resources and time to ensure that we could collectively make something extraordinary happen. Because of their commitment, two rural regions of critical economic concern will have the opportunity to be two areas of economic vitality.”
Vicki Montford, Opportunity Florida Board Secretary stated, "Adding the Middle Mile will improve healthcare access for our residents and that is a priority for each of our eight counties. And of course, connecting our businesses to the world accelerates our ability to participate in the global economy. On a personal level, this grant makes it possible for our children and their children to not be forced to move away but remain here and prosper for generations to come.”
All interested parties are invited to a:
NEWS CONFERENCES TO BE HELD AT THE LIBERTY COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER IN BRISTOL, FL THIS FRIDAY AT 2:00 PM EST
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
SUSAN ESTES 850-718-0453
or RICK MARCUM 850-785-1768 OR 850-866-1079 CELL
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