Superior Receives Grant For Broadband

The Commerce and Economic Development Commission (CEDC) at the Arizona Department of Commerce has approved a grant of up to $35,000 to the Town of Superior to install high-speed broadband. The project will create 300 full time jobs. "This is an example of the value of the CEDC bringing ideas and people together," says Arizona Department of Commerce Director Gilbert Jimenez. "Innovation and investment in infrastructure will fuel economic growth." "I am ecstatic that . . . the Arizona Department of Commerce see[s] the need to help rural communities like Superior build necessary infrastructure to create 21st Century technology," says Superior Mayor Michael Hing. "With this project, we can grow our business economy." The town aims to build economic capacity by installing a high-speed unlicensed spectrum Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network to support Internet connectivity for the use of local businesses and residents. "Our business has suffered as a result of our inability to access reliable infrastructure," says Rozlyn Lipsey of Superior Marble. "The inability to access high-speed Internet has prevented us from offering our customers the opportunity to order our products online." Bill Williams, Vice President of Resolution Copper Mining says, "This issue is important to our company for two reasons, it will give our local based employees opportunities to access our network through high-speed access and it will enable our contractors and suppliers to work and communicate more efficiently with the company." Several businesses in Superior have provided $1,000 matches to fund the wireless service project. The Town of Superior is investing $25,000. In addition, the town has requested a $270,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Enterprise Grant program in support of this initiative. The application will be evaluated with an anticipated award date of August/September 2006. To maximize the economic development benefits of the broadband network, training in how to use Internet access will be provided by the town to support existing and emerging businesses.