ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, December 24, 1996 TAG: 9612240066
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
Pulaski County is among the localities getting federal funds to help develop an electronic village.
Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, has announced a $65,200 Appalachian Regional Commission grant to help develop electronic villages in the counties of Pulaski, Craig, Buchanan, Tazewell and Wise, as well as the town of Damascus and city of Norton.
The money will go toward training and education awareness programs on the Internet and related technologies.
"I have a goal of placing Southwest Virginia in the national forefront in the use of information technology," Boucher said. "As one important means of achieving that goal, I launched an effort earlier this year to encourage all 9th District towns, cities and counties to become electronic villages with enhanced computer-based communications."
The town of Blacksburg established the region's first electronic village. More than 15 other communities in Southwest Virginia are in varying stages of developing their own.
The ARC funds will provide hands-on specialized training workshops on Internet technologies, including search techniques and electronic mail, to teachers, businesses, libraries, local governments and interested individuals.
To take part in these programs, participants must agree to train five other people at local Internet sites or community demonstration programs. This will multiply the number of people getting the training. Business and community organizations will also get web site development assistance.
"It is my hope that, during the next 12 months, the vast majority of Southwest Virginia communities will provide this advanced communications service for their residents," Boucher said.
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