CLARKESVILLE (Dec. 18, 2009) – Today, State Senator Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) reported to his district that a broad-band network is coming to North Georgia in 2010. Eight counties are recipients of the grant, half of which are located in the 50th senatorial district.
“This network is a potential catalyst for economic development and job growth. These are your dollars working for you, and all of Northeast Georgia, to connect with the rest of the global community and bring jobs to the area,” said Sen. Butterworth.
The North Georgia Network completed an application with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and to the OneGeorgia Authority to build the fiber-optic network. They will use resources from Atlanta Gas Light and Ellijay Telephone.
The broad-band network is composed of a 260-mile fiber optic cable that will enable eight North Georgia counties to have broadband access. Counties included are White, Habersham, Rabun, Towns, Union, Lumpkin, Dawson and Forsyth. The project is intended to bring jobs, economic development and a connection to the global network to the area. It will serve as an additional resource for education and government functions in the area.
Funding totals $42 million from public and private sectors. Stimulus dollars will contribute $33 million, the OneGeorgia Authority will give $2.5 million, and local EMCs and government are providing a combined $6.5 million.
Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028