A direct consequence of the shutdowns and isolation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has been “front and center awareness of the criticality of broadband and its significance in issues such as emergency management, education, health care and work access – and many others,” according to Teri Drew, regional director for the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) in Prescott. “The intensity for creating broadband awareness has prompted us with NACOG to sponsor a major survey … [Read more...] about Survey to Evaluate Broadband Capabilities for Rural Populations
Rural
Protecting Rural Infrastructure
Shortly after the economy began its downward spiral in 2008, our state and local economies felt the impact almost immediately. Families cut back on spending, forcing businesses and organizations to slash staff. Unemployment soared, the housing and construction markets faltered and skyrocketing fuel costs caused motorists to drive less and some vehicles went unregistered. That proved detrimental to the state’s Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF), which relies on fuel taxes at the pump, motor … [Read more...] about Protecting Rural Infrastructure
Moving Rural Arizona Forward
People in rural Arizona face unique challenges. Many still don’t have access to modern broadband internet and in too many cases our rural communities rely on aging infrastructure to provide vital utilities. Declaring that “all Americans deserve a fair shot”, President Obama and Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack have made a strong commitment to helping rural America. They recognize that rural America is where our values as a nation and our “can-do” spirit as a people are … [Read more...] about Moving Rural Arizona Forward
