Michigan State University's new $6 million federal grant promises to expand broadband Internet access in the state's urban areas, including Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park.
The grant, courtesy of the federal stimulus package, will pay for new computers in libraries, public housing centers, community centers and community colleges in Michigan's economically challenged urban areas. It will also beef up the wi-fi signal at those locations. That adds up 2,232 computers in 207 locations mostly in Detroit and its inner-city suburbs. Pontiac, Benton Harbor, Saginaw, Muskegon Heights and Flint are also on the list.
"We put a major emphasis on the Detroit area," says Kurt DeMaagd, assistant professor of telecommunications at Michigan State University. "I'd say a third of our grant is for Hamramck, Highland Park and Detroit."
Organizers expect the new computers and increased access to the Internet will allow residents in these areas greater access to education, job training and job searchers/applications rooted in the new economy. It will also help Michigan expand its
e-Library program services.
Michigan State has already begun the process of implementing these computer/broadband Internet resources and training local people how to use them. The first round of funding worth $1 million began installing 500 computers in 88 libraries across the state, primarily in rural areas that will serve an extra 13,000 people.
Source: Kurt DeMaagd, assistant professor of telecommunications at Michigan State University
Writer: Jon Zemke
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.