$11.2 M allocated for high-speed access

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) - Communities in eastern New Mexico and west Texas will soon see expanded broadband internet access thanks to $11.2 million in federal funding.

The money will bring high-speed internet access to more than 200 community institutions, including area schools.

On Wednesday, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Sen. Tom Udall and former governor Toney Anaya announced the measure.

The increased access will be made possible by providing a more than 1,600-mile ring of fiber.

“This critical investment will expand high-speed Internet service access to New Mexico schools and hospitals, and eventually homes and businesses, helping to make them full participants in today’s 21stcentury information economy,” Locke said. “Having access to the Internet’s economic, health and educational benefits will help to improve the quality of life in these communities.”

The money is part of the U.S. Recovery Act.