Within the list of broadband projects announced today by the U.S. Department of Commerce was $5.4 million for the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development to enhance broadband connections and public computer centers at 104 libraries statewide and launch an innovative free public videoconferencing network available to all Alaska public library users. This is great news! Learn why at the full post.

Today U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced 35 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments totaling $482.4 million to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare across the country. The investments will fund projects that pave the way to bring enhanced high-speed Internet access to millions of households and businesses and link thousands of schools, hospitals, libraries, and public safety offices to the information superhighway.

Within the list of projects was $5.4 million for the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development to enhance broadband connections and public computer centers at 104 libraries statewide and launch an innovative free public videoconferencing network available to all Alaska public library users.

This is great news because Alaska ranks at the bottom of the U.S. in terms of rural broad band connectivity and penetration. (Read an earlier post about Alaska and broadband here.) Many rural Alaskans’ only Internet service is at their local libraries, and many times their local libraries double as school libraries during parts of the day.

This investment opens up a world of possibilities for rural students, businesses, and everyday Alaskans who can gain critical health and public safety information, participate in civic and eGovernment, connect with extended family and friends, and preserve their heritage while joining the global community.

Rasmuson Foundation is pleased to partner with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and State of Alaska in providing the $2.3 million in cash match to the public funds.

Another winner in today’s announcement is the University of Alaska Fairbanks which will receive $4.5 million to provide computer skills and broadband awareness training to residents in remote villages across the state.