TMCnews Featured Article
October 09, 2009
Biden Says Broadband Stimulus Spending Ahead of Schedule
By Kelly McGuire, TMCnet Editor
According to United States Vice President Joe Biden, stimulus money is being put to work ahead of schedule as we head into the fourth quarter 2009.
With all of the recent broadband stimulus applications, grant awarded and unfortunate let downs, Biden’s statements are not surprising.
In fact, they’re a good thing. With broadband becoming such a thirsty industry, where organizations and specific states are vying for allocated funds, Biden’s claims prove that the stimulus money is making its way into the hands of the right people and companies.
More than 50 percent of American Reinvestment and Recovery Act spending was obligated, Biden said, adding that the nation is putting these recover dollars to work faster than expect.
“As we enter the final quarter of 2009, we're going to build on that progress with investments in new technology and infrastructure that create good jobs and keep us on a path toward economic growth,” Biden said.
Specifically, as of Sept.30, $251 billion has been obligated to various broadband projects, with $196 billion going towards tax relief. As a result, the administration is on track to meet the target of 70 percent of funds laid out by Sept. 2010.
Due to things progressing so smoothly, Biden said that the recovery program is not only ahead of schedule, but that many projects are coming in under budget due to efficiencies and sound management.
It’s no doubt that the current economy has suffered more than just a bump in the road in the last year. A lot of people were laid off, can’t find a job and are struggling to pay their bills. With this new broadband stimulus plan, a possible 600,000 jobs are expected to be created or saved under the Recovery Act in the next 100 days, Biden said. No doubt a positive outlook for a gloomy weather forecast we’ve been having.
And, since broadband is such a sought after market, Biden’s comments shed some light on a situation where – for many companies – there’s a heavily stress load of waiting for grant approval. With the possible job additions, the broadband stimulus movement may just be what the economic needs to dig itself out of the current recession.
In fact, they’re a good thing. With broadband becoming such a thirsty industry, where organizations and specific states are vying for allocated funds, Biden’s claims prove that the stimulus money is making its way into the hands of the right people and companies.
More than 50 percent of American Reinvestment and Recovery Act spending was obligated, Biden said, adding that the nation is putting these recover dollars to work faster than expect.
“As we enter the final quarter of 2009, we're going to build on that progress with investments in new technology and infrastructure that create good jobs and keep us on a path toward economic growth,” Biden said.
Specifically, as of Sept.30, $251 billion has been obligated to various broadband projects, with $196 billion going towards tax relief. As a result, the administration is on track to meet the target of 70 percent of funds laid out by Sept. 2010.
Due to things progressing so smoothly, Biden said that the recovery program is not only ahead of schedule, but that many projects are coming in under budget due to efficiencies and sound management.
It’s no doubt that the current economy has suffered more than just a bump in the road in the last year. A lot of people were laid off, can’t find a job and are struggling to pay their bills. With this new broadband stimulus plan, a possible 600,000 jobs are expected to be created or saved under the Recovery Act in the next 100 days, Biden said. No doubt a positive outlook for a gloomy weather forecast we’ve been having.
And, since broadband is such a sought after market, Biden’s comments shed some light on a situation where – for many companies – there’s a heavily stress load of waiting for grant approval. With the possible job additions, the broadband stimulus movement may just be what the economic needs to dig itself out of the current recession.
Kelly McGuire is a TMCnet Editor. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Kelly McGuire

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