The Clearinghouse

Funding Sources for Telecommunications Planning and Demonstration Projects.

Other States

Where can communities find funding for telecommunications projects? This is a list of some possibilities.

Can Oregon learn from the experiences of other states? Oregon is not alone in struggling with the challenge of bringing the benefits of new technology to all citizens. This section contains links to each state's effort to make government information available through technology or 'home page' plus links to important state initiatives where possible. Some national organizations offer many useful references to the activities of other states.

State and local strategies for connecting communities - This directory provides a look at where states are heading on the telecommunications front. It includes a look at the planning process and infrastructure commitments that states are instituting regarding telecommunications.

This kit gives you the tools that fostered success for the Education and Libraries Networks Coalition at the national level. Adapt its components to fit your state's needs, share them with media and other key audiences, and use them as a resource to develop letters, presentations, etc.

A chart describing the projects and funding of technology and telecommunications programs in the states from the Information Clearinghouse of the Education Commission of the States

The states that are deploying or upgrading telecommunications and computing networks have passed legislation supporting the investment in such networks. "The sources of educational telecommunications funding can be divided into about five general categories: foundations, technology companies, federal grants, state grants, and school district or college general revenue funds" (Hezel, 1994). States such as Georgia and Michigan have even earmarked massive windfalls of recaptured funds from telecommunications providers who overcharged consumers.

The State Networking Project is a nationwide collaborative effort on long-range planning for the integration of an information infrastructure to support the needs of the K-12 educational community.

This page of the TENET Web provides links to responses provided by each state or participant organization to a survey concerning the status of the K-12 telecommunications infrastructure in that state. Periodically updated.

California Technology Assistance Project- CTAP would like to inform you about the Connectivity Jump Start grant program, a new opportunity in support of your efforts to promote effective use of technology in teaching and learning. The Connectivity Jump Start grant program is intended to provide a relatively small amount of money for schools in all different stages of building their telecommunications infrastructure. The $1000.00 can be used to design a local area network plan, or to purchase cabling or equipment to connect the local area network to a wide area network. The money can be used to build a new network or to enhance an existing network.

1994 Public Act No 131 provides for establishment and updating of a state information and telecommunications systems strategic plan. The Executive Director of the Office of Information and Technology is given authority to approve state agency proposals for information systems hardware, software,maintenance service, and consulting, and to coordinate efforts to further the statewide telecommunications strategy. There is an Information Technology Executive Committee (ITEC) established by the state Department of Administration Services in 1993 to address the information technology needs of the agency. It is responsible for developing the agency's information technology plan. STATENET is the state's dedicated facility special network supplied by contract with Southern New England Telephone(SNET). SNET has installed over 2400 miles of fiber optic cable in Connecticut, and has plans to invest over $4 billion over the next 15 years in a fiber optic multimedia communications network in the state.

Delaware's Office of Telecommunications Management developed a Telecommunications Strategic Plan in 1990. State officials say that most recommended initiatives have been completed or are underway. Lack of personnel has been the primary impediment to full implementation. The Office of Telecommunications Management is today part of the state Office of Information Services (OIS), which reports to the Governor's Office within the Executive Department. OIS provides oversight and support to the operation of the state's computer and telecommunications network. According to the OIS, special attention is being placed on schools' and citizen access to the National Information Infrastructure. The Governor commissioned a report on education technology that resulted in a $32 million spending recommendation to create an information infrastructure that would provide access to the information superhighway to every classroom in public schools in Delaware. $10 million has been appropriated so far. The Office of Telecommunications Management is deploying routers in all elementary schools throughout the state to support placing computers in every classroom. The office expects to have ISDN in all schools by Spring1996.

On May 26, 1995, Governor Bush signed into law HB 2128 which created The TIF. The legislation also created a nine member board which governs the fund. The TIF Board will disburse up to $150 million per year to k-12 schools, higher education, hospitals, and libraries in the form of grants and loans for intracampus and intercampus wiring and for equipment and infrastructure needed for distance learning, and information sharing programs.

The Public Works Money Database was developed in 1985 at the request of Montana local government officials, planners, and nonprofit groups who were searching for funding sources for the construction and repair of public facilities. In the last decade, state agencies have been swamped with requests for information on sources of grants or loans for constructing or repairing local public facilities. Montana communities had needs for financial assistance, yet missed out on many state, federal, and private grants and loans. A comprehensive and simple listing of financial options for public facilities was needed.

New Jersey's Office of Telecommunications and Information Systems was founded by executive order in 1984, with the authority to improve the effectiveness and economy in the use of telecommunications and information technology in state government. The state's telecommunications connections are provided by the Garden State network, a leased system. New Jersey is relying on private industry to build its hub on the information highway.Although New Jersey has historic ties with the telecommunications industry,its infrastructure and role in using telecommunications for applications within government and for education appear minimal at this time. There were plans to issue an RFP (for August 1995) for distance learning, video teleconferencing equipment, and support services.

Under its new regulatory structure, the New York State Public Service Commission has adopted a plan providing for the distribution of $50 million over the next five years. The funds are to improve advanced telecommunications infrastructure, customer premises equipment and related training in economically disadvantaged areas within New York State. A Diffusion Program Committee will evaluate proposals and distribute up to$10 million each year. The deadline for proposals for the first year was May 15,1996, but the program still has four years of funding to supply.

Almost $100,000 in state technology education funds has been awarded to 34 educators who proposed innovative methods to integrate educational telecommunications activities and the Texas Education Network (TENET) into their classroom curriculum, teacher in service programs, or administrative projects, Texas Education Agency officials announced today.

The site links to the state's master plan for providing telecommunication funds to the state's schools, a grantee handbook, legislation, news, and other potential sources of funds.