FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 26, 2013

CONTACT: Emily Kiel at (605) 773-4165 or Emily.Kiel@state.sd.us

South Dakota’s Broadband Initiative Awards 18 Technology Grants

PIERRE, S.D.  – Recently, the South Dakota Broadband Initiative (SDBI) awarded technology grants for projects exceeding $150,000 to 18 Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) across South Dakota. The funding is part of the federal Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunication and Information Administration’s (NTIA) State Broadband Initiative.

“This program has been very beneficial to the Community Anchor Institutions across South Dakota,” said Jim Edman, Deputy Commissioner for the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications and Project Manager for the SDBI. “The ability to establish or refresh one’s technology infrastructure through this program is a tremendous opportunity for the CAIs in today’s constrained economy. This boost for the local communities has a direct impact on increasing broadband services, usage and adoption; a key goal for the State Broadband Initiative.”

A list of the institutions awarded grants is provided below. Included for each CAI is the total cost of the proposed project which reflects a required 20 percent matching investment through cash, in-kind or both.

1.            Aberdeen YMCA, Aberdeen ($9,232.40)

2.            allPOINTS Health Alcester Clinic, Alcester ($12,450.63)

3.            allPOINTS Health Elk Point Clinic, Elk Point ($11,348.75)

4.            Aurora County, Plankinton ($11,146.80)

5.            City of Eureka, Eureka ($2,176.25)

6.            City of Faulkton, Faulkton ($2,921.25)

7.            City of Hot Springs, Hot Springs ($11,716.60)

8.            City of Leola, Leola ($3,141.25)

9.            Davison County, Mitchell ($10,846.40)

10.         Doland School District, Doland ($11,047.10)

11.         Edmunds County, Ipswich ($8,417.50)

12.         Grow SD, Sisseton ($9,662.06)

13.         Jackson County Library, Kadoka ($2,661.25)

14.         John Paul II School, Mitchell ($5,847.40)

15.         Leola Public Library, Leola ($1,238.00)

16.         Prairie Community Health, Isabel ($12,383.61)

17.         St. Thomas School, Madison ($12,881.60)

18.         Sturgis Public Library, Sturgis ($12,610.00)

These awards provide funding for technology improvements in the areas of:

• Firewalls (a form of cyber security) to protect computers against malware, spyware, viruses and other threatening content. 
• Network switches to ensure uptime and stability as well as increase network speeds and performance. 
• Wireless equipment for mobile connectivity and increased performance. 
• New or additional laptops and desktops to provide access to broadband services.

Over the past year, the SDBI grants have impacted 59 CAIs across South Dakota totaling $468,000 in technology projects.

Upon request, the SDBI Technology Planning team will assist the CAI staff and their technology partners with the implementation of the equipment into their infrastructure where requested. The Technology Planning and Computer Ownership program is one segment of the overall SDBI. The primary purpose is to provide CAIs with technology consulting and solutions pertaining to their technical infrastructure and broadband connectivity. Eligible institutions include libraries, medical and healthcare facilities, K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, public safety offices, government and tribal offices, and community support locations.

About South Dakota Broadband Initiative (SDBI): The purpose of the SDBI is to inventory, enhance and increase the adoption of high-speed broadband. Visit http://broadband.sd.gov/, email broadband@state.sd.us, or call 605-773-4165 for more information.

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