[1st-mile-nm] Cool and Connected

[Richard Lowenberg]

Appropriate funding for some small NM communities:

Cool & Connected: Announcement of Federal Planning Assistance for 
Broadband and Sustainable Community Development

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/cool-connected-announcement-federal-planning-assistance-broadband-and-sustainable

Communities interested in using broadband service to help revitalize 
small-town main streets and promote economic development are encouraged 
to apply for Cool & Connected, a pilot program sponsored by the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service and EPA's Office of 
Sustainable Communities.

Through Cool & Connected, a team of experts will help community members 
develop strategies and an action plan for using planned or existing 
broadband service to promote smart, sustainable community development.

Quality broadband access can provide new opportunities for people and 
businesses. A growing number of communities have combined broadband 
service with other local assets such as cultural and recreational 
amenities to attract and retain investment and people, including young 
people. This can help diversify local economies. Such efforts typically 
require planning among community leaders, businesses, and internet 
service providers. The Cool & Connected program will provide assistance 
to this end, helping communities take advantage of new or existing 
broadband service to create walkable, connected, economically vibrant 
main streets and small-town neighborhoods.



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Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director
1st-Mile Institute     505-603-5200
Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504,
rl at 1st-mile.org     www.1st-mile.org
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