My Recruiting Blog

A new round of funding for broadband projects throughout the state will increase San Diego employment for years to come.

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that it will award more than $200 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants to the State of California. The funding will be used for Broadband Technology Opportunities Program projects throughout the state.

"The projects awarded to California today stand to create hundreds of jobs for Californians and benefit thousands more," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said. "Getting broadband access to those in underserved areas is essential to promoting economic growth and spurring job creation. The grants awarded to California today will supply that foundation."

A total of $1.47 billion is being invested in 66 broadband projects throughout the country. The program is being administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service.

In San Diego County, Zerodivide will receive a $686,157 grant and $300,000 in matching funds for the Tribal Digital Village project, which will increase broadband usage among the 15 Native American Tribes in rural parts of the county.

The project will provide 8,900 tribal residents and 2,000 residents in nearby communities with broadband training, awareness, and adoption programs. The effort is expected to create immediate jobs and provide a foundation for future economic growth and job creation.

Other organizations receiving funding throughout California include:

• California Broadband Cooperative, Inc. - $81,148,788
• CVIN - $46,619,757
• Motorola, Inc. - $50,593,551
• Plumas Sierra Telecommunications - $13,770,240
• Foundation For California Community Colleges - $10,944,843
• Zerodivide in CA, HI, NM, OR, UT, WA - $1,384,242

Labels: San Diego employment