WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $63,000 grant to the Washington County Public Schools to install three miles of fiber optic cable through Hancock. The cable will enable over 600 students enrolled in Hancock Elementary, Middle and High School to have access to high speed internet access.

“High-speed Internet service is the information highway of the 21st Century and this grant will enable Washington County to provide Hancock schools with the up-to-date technology that is needed to help students succeed,” said Senator Cardin.

“Forty years ago, interstate highways were crucial for economic growth in our rural areas, now it’s the information superhighway,” Senator Mikulski said. “I’m proud that this funding will enable students to benefit from top-flight high-speed Internet services. I will continue to fight for grants like these that support Maryland students, schools and communities.”

In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $147,000, bringing the total project funding to $210,000. ARC funding for this project is provided through a special ARC regional initiative which targets funds to encourage and support telecommunication services including electronic medical record applications

.