civic.com News Shorts

Nashville Deploys Wireless Data Network

Metro Nashville-Davidson County, Tenn., has hired Software Corporation of America (SCA of Stamford, Conn.) and GTE Wireless to provide a wireless data network for 100 of the city's detectives and give field officers better access to information about suspected criminals and stolen vehicles. The technology is being funded by a federal law enforcement block grant.

Minnesota's North Star Legislation Passed

Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson last week committed just less than $1 million to government on-line service projects contained in the state's North Star initiative, which has been promoted as a "one-start government" allowing the public simple, electronic access to government services.

"The unique part of the project is that it now has status in law and that general funding has gone to a collaborative project," said project team leader Steven Clift. "I have long argued that we need to put resources into a place that can work with all levels of government with a direct eye toward the public coming in to use the service." Clift added that he is unaware of another case in which general funds have been used for a state's home page.

North Star Future Plans and Proposals are available at www.state.mn.us/devcenter/nsfuture/.