WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced that the Allegany County Board of Education will receive a $100,000 grant to make upgrades to the local-area network (LAN) system currently serving 23 Allegany County public schools. The money is being awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) through their Telecommunications Initiative.

“Forty years ago, interstate highways were crucial for economic growth in our rural areas, now it’s the information superhighway,” said Senator Mikulski. “I’m proud that this funding will enable students at Allegany County schools to benefit from internet technologies and new ways of learning, working and communicating. I will continue to fight for grants like these that support Maryland students and Maryland communities.”

“Investment in education is an investment in the future of our nation,” said Senator Cardin. “Maryland employers have made it clear to me that we need to do more to provide our students with the computer and technical skills they need. This ARC grant will provide students at 23 Allegany County schools with access to state-of-the-art technology.”

The grant will help pay for upgrades to fiber optic termination equipment and roaming wireless access switches to enhance LAN performance. The grant will also help pay for smart cards, “Smart Boards,” video projectors, computers and telephone system upgrades in the schools. The electronic equipment and internet upgrades will enhance the overall performance of the LAN system, allowing the 23 schools in the LAN system to benefit from its full potential.

The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.