Pennsylvania gives $1.3 M for IT projects

The Pennsylvania Technology Investment Authority awarded $1.3 million last

week to fund six technology projects, most focusing on high-speed Internet

networks or technology centers

The winners are:

* 3 Rivers Connect: A Pittsburgh-based smart-building project that won $500,000

to wire more than 80 civic organizations and government building tenants

of the Regional Enterprise Tower with broadband technology. Each tenant

will have affordable access to the technology and technical support.

* Bloomsburg Regional Digital Community: Won $254,000 to establish two technology

laboratories and at least six training programs for the public; create at

least six programs for citizens without computer experience; hire a coordinator

for the community technology center; partner with local employers for two

training programs; and to provide access to the Keystone Library network.

* Keystone Community Network Health Education and Systems Alliance: Received

$250,000 to establish a broadband fiber-optic connection among Lock Haven

University, regional hospitals and the Keystone Library Network of the State

System of Higher Education. The network provides hospitals distance learning

and access to an online medical library and database.

* North Central Pennsylvania Regional E-Commerce Center: Awarded $130,000

to accelerate the adoption of electronic business in the North Central region

of the state by providing funding for curriculum development, seminars and

marketing and training coordination; developing a virtual manufacturers

network; and purchasing hardware.

* Universal Technology Center: Awarded $100,000 to train 1,200 greater Southeast

Philadelphia-area elementary students in technology by developing the Virtual

Private Network, a community intranet linking residents, community programs

and facilities, churches, schools and businesses.

* BerksNet Community Network: Won $97,712 to provide an affordable and accessible

information network supporting open communications among the entire community.

PTIA, run by a board of directors from tech companies, government, economic

development organizations and university leaders, provides funds for high-tech

innovations.