ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 27, 1996 TAG: 9603270040
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
City Council glimpsed the future Monday. Using a laptop computer hooked up to a television screen, Brack Stovall, a city library employee and member of the Radford Information Network steering committee, showed council what Radford will look like on the information superhighway.
The Radford Information Network began as part of a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration which Radford acquired through the Blacksburg Electronic Village. The grant allows Radford to use the Blacksburg project's resources and Internet connection for 18 months. RIN's mission is to "expand the concept of the BEV throughout the region, connecting each citizen, business and school."
Stovall's presentation included a look at Radford's "home page" which will enable people to gain access to information regarding the city's education system, businesses and government.
Jill Barr, Radford's economic development director, said she's "very excited by the opportunities that this technology will bring to local citizens and businesses."
Radford will officially go on line at a ceremony, featuring Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, to be held at the city library next month.
In other business, the council designated April as Environmental Awareness Month and the week of April 13-20 as Cleanup Week. To encourage people to participate in an effort to make Radford shine, the Public Works Department will provide collection and disposal of household rubbish at no cost, and that of yard waste at one-half normal charge throughout the month.
The council also voted to request that replacement of the U.S. 11 bridge over Plum Creek be included in the city's six-year urban program with the Virginia Department of Transportation. The urban program is currently made up of projects to improve Rock Road, Jefferson Street and Tyler Avenue.
The council's request will be made officially at VDOT's annual pre-allocation public hearing on April 2 at the Salem Civic Center.
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