NTIA Awards $42.8 Million in Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) Grants
The Commerce Department’s National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced the
award of $42.8 million in Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) grants to 74
non-profit organizations, including state and local governments, across the
country and in Puerto Rico.
TOP grants, matched by $46.7 million in contributions from
the private sector and state and local organizations, extend the benefits of
advanced telecommunications technologies to underserved communities and
neighborhoods.
“We want these grants to demonstrate how the most up-to-date
technology can assist the delivery of services to Americans of all ages and
backgrounds, improving levels of public safety, public health, public
information, homeownership and economic development,” said Assistant Secretary
of Commerce for Communications and Information Nancy J. Victory. “Successful TOP grants recipients share best
practices with other non-profit and public sector organizations.”
Services provided by this year’s grant winners include:
telemedicine (videoconferencing with translation/interpretation tools, access
for the deaf and hard of hearing); public safety (fire incident reporting,
beach safety, community policing); distance learning (job training, access to
health benefits, access to local history and culture); community information
(affordable housing, public housing); as well as numerous other innovative
services.
A complete list of the FY 2001 TOP award grants is available
on the TOP Web site at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/top/index.html
or by calling NTIA at 202-482-2048.
