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ARRA Decision On Broadband Funding Delayed

The American Recovery  and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) appropriated $7.2 billion and directed the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) to expand broadband access to unserved and underserved communities across the U.S. 
 
As a result, the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) were created.  BIP will make loans and grants for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas. BTOP will provide grants to fund broadband infrastructure, public computer centers and sustainable broadband adoption projects.
 
In August, a number of private and public organizations submitted grant and loan requests for broadband projects to benefit the north coast region.    Decisions on these grant requests have been delayed and are not currently expected before December 2009.  A good article on the delay is found here.
 
For a list of projects for the area, click here.  Thanks to redwoodcoastruralaction.org for the matrix.

More information on the ARRA broadband program can be found at ARRA Broadband Funding.

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Testimonials

North Coast Audiology

I literally wouldn't be a business owner without the help of RREDC. I was in an unique situation where I didn't qualify for a bank loan and RREDC took a chance on me. I have now owned my audiology practice for nearly 5 years!

Julie Kelly, Au.D
North Coast Audiology

RREDC not only helped with financing our expansion, they also offered advice and support along the way.

Without RREDC, growing our business would have been nearly impossible. They can help when larger institutions can't.

Mike Branden
Smug's Pizza


We were in the midst of a difficult $1,000,000 renovation project after our building got red-tagged for earthquake safety.  Banks were leery of loaning to us because our non-profit income stream did not look dependable to them.  RREDC had a wider vision and came through for us at a critical moment.

Bobbi Ricca - Administrative Director
Dell Arte - Blue Lake

Thanks to RREDC we were able to acquire the additional necessary money we needed to help capitalize our new business venture after all efforts through commercial lenders were exhausted. RREDC was also very helpful in assisting us with our business plan. All of their personnel are wonderful to work with.

Stephen Martinez
The Forks – Willow Creek

 Without RREDC the loan for our business would not be possible. Thanks to them we are in operation today. Thank you for your help.

Debbra Sweet
Partrick's Candy, Eureka

 RREDC's support has been instrumental in our successes developing additional air service destinations and in providing the necessary airport infrastructure needed for those services.

 

Jacquelyn Hulsey - Manager
Aviation Division, County of Humboldt

The Redwood Region Economic Development Commission has been very responsive to individuals and businesses that we have referred to them. The staff is both knowledgable and caring. We have no reservations recommending RREDC to our clients who can benefit from their services.

John Dalby - President, CEO
Redwood Capital Bank

Ten years ago my husband and I hoped to open a dinner restaurant.  No one would lend us for such a "risky" project.  We had a great local reputation and 45 combined years of experience in 4 star restaurants.  RREDC made it happen for us!  Now we are the premier restaurant in our area, creating jobs and training for young people, paying living wages, providing health care benefits and giving back generously to our community.  Thank you RREDC for recognizing our potential!

Beverly Wolfe
Avalon Restaurant

Dalianes

In 1999, my business partners and I applied for a working capital loan at RREDC.  They made it easy and possible for us to start our venture as the new owners of Dalianes Travel.

Dianne Harris
Dalianes Travel

 

In 2000 when I began planning to purchase a lot and build a custom tofu-manufacturing plant in Arcata's Aldergrove Industrial Park, RREDC provided invaluable professional advice and moral support during the business plan phase, and ultimately, supplemental financing to make the plan a reality. Their continued support since has helped Tofu Shop Specialty Foods survive and thrive.

Matthew Schmit - President
The Tofu Shop Specialty Foods Arcata

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