Free Internet Access for Rural Law Enforcement Agencies

National Center for Rural Law Enforcemdent: Internet Project The National Center for Rural Law Enforcement provides Internet access and email at no cost to rural law enforcement agencies and tribal criminal justice agencies through the use of a toll-free dialup service. The project also provides free website hosting, an electronic information resource center, model policies and procedures, and promotes information sharing among law enforcement agencies through email. Applicants are required to have the following: a computer with a modem, Windows operating system (Windows 95 or later version), and access to a dedicated phone line (can be shared with a fax line). Requests may be submitted at any time. Visit the website listed above for more information.

DCED Launches Broadband Inventory Website

DCED recently launched the Act 183 public telecom Inventory of Services website. You can search statewide, by county or by zip. You can also search by broadband medium (most DSL, some wireless, and hopefully soon – cable). If you double-click on the map, you get an enlarged map. This website is available either at: http://www.newpa.com/broadband or http://www.broadbandinpa.com. - wrr

Brookings Institution Updates Pennsylvania Report

You may recall the furor and controversy that ensued after the publication of the original Brookings Insitution study on public policy challenges in Pennsylvania. This report updates the 2003 report and concludes "that while Pennsylvania's major trends—slow population growth, "hollowing" rural and metropolitan areas, and economic struggles—by and large persist, major policy reform is underway. Ultimately, "Committing to Prosperity" urges Pennsylvania to go beyond incremental adjustments to enact deep, systemic change. The complete report is available at the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy site.

NW Commission will Host ARC E-Commerce Workshop

The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission will host an Appalachian Regional Commission E-Commerce workshop on June 20-21, 2007. The evening training will be conducted between 5pm and 10pm with a dinner break. The training will emphasize integrating e-commerce into business planning. The training location will be announced soon. -rr

Massive Outsourcing Presents Telemedicine Business Opportunity

On my second day of work I attended a meeting in Harrisburg where a lobbiest cited a statistic that two-thirds of the radiology readings from Philadelphia hospitals were read in India! It's called "nighthawking" and it is an increasingly common practice as american physicians insist on more regular working schedules.

This week I learned, through the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania newsletter that two Pennsylvania based Radiology groups are no offering advanced radiology services to Pennsylvania hospitals and health care providers as an alternative to out of state and out of country groups. Quantum Imaging and Tristan Associates are offering a Pennsylvania-based teleradiology alternative.

This is just another illustration of the tremendous opportunity afforded by telemedicine. - wrr

USDA Announces $15 Million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants

The USDA announced today the availability of $15 million in distance learning and telemedicine (DLT) grants. Grant awards may range from $50,000 - $500,000. The application deadline is June 11.

A grant application guide is available via the USDA website.

Please note, the eligibility criteria emphasize innovation and sustainability. Planning studies, research projects, and short-term demonstration projects of less than two years will not be considered.

If you are aware of organizations or projects that may benefit from this grant program, please contact W. Randy Rice at 814.229.6012 or randyr@nwcommission.org.

Sting WAN Business Opportunities Discussion

Insert in the Venango Chamber newsletter announces the Oil City Area School District will host a public meeting/discussion about Sting Wide Area Network Business Opportunities on April 24 from 7-8pm. Register by calling 814.676.1867 option 1. -rr