EPA, USDA announces initiative to help bring broadband service to Erwin

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced Wednesday the City of Erwin, Tennessee is one of 10 communities in six states selected to participate in the Cool & Connected planning assistance program.

The initiative is to help people use broadband service for downtown revitalization and economic development. "Cool & Connected will help create vibrant, thriving places to live, work, and play," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "We're excited to be working with these local leaders and use broadband service as a creative strategy to improve the environment and public health in Appalachian communities." Cool & Connected partner communities will receive assistance from a team of experts to develop strategies for using expected or existing broadband services. By combining broadband service with other local assets, including cultural and recreational amenities, communities can attract and retain investment and people, revitalize downtowns and diversify local economies. According to the EPA, strategies that help communities reinvest in established areas can help preserve open spaces and farmlands and protect air and water quality.

The program will provide the city and Erwin Utilities with help developing a marketing plan for their downtown broadband connection, with the goal of attracting young professionals, visitors, and investors.

EPA support for Cool & Connected is provided through the Office of Sustainable Communities, which helps communities develop in ways that protect public health and the natural environment. USDA support is provided by the Rural Utilities Service, which provides funding for critical infrastructure including electricity generation and transmission, water and waste water facilities and telecommunications for rural America. The Appalachian Regional Commission support is through the Obama Administration's Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization initiative (POWER), which is a multi-agency effort to invest federal resources in communities and regions that have relied on the coal industry and are impacted by the changing energy landscape.