Broadening the Broadband Backbone to Get and Keep Business

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Story Published: Jun 30, 2009 at 5:31 PM PST

By Lena Vargas

The City of Richland is considering applying for $6 million in federal stimulus money to improve its broadband “backbone” or infrastructure. Right now, it says the City of Kennewick and the City of Pasco have better internet capabilities because of the Franklin and Benton PUD’s that serve them.

If city officials get the $6 million federal dollars, they will have to invest $2 million from the city’s own money.

Economic development officials believe the money would be well spent because Richland’s broadband limitations limit its ability to keep and recruit businesses.

Dihann Howard with the Tri-Cities Research District says it would make a huge difference for expanding the district.

"Broadband for us is just like roads, water, sewers…It's an important piece of infrastructure. It's actually expected when trying to attract technology companies”, said Howard.

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