Missouri Investment Campaign to Expand DSL Coverage in Rural, Metro Areas
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), June 18, 2006 - Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, joined by Senate President Pro Tempore Michael Gibbons and House Speaker Rod Jetton, has announced an investment campaign that will bring Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) high speed Internet access to additional Missouri consumers when the project is completed by the end of 2006.
The campaign will expand DSL coverage in 15 cities served by AT&T Missouri that currently have broadband access, and bring DSL service to nine new Missouri towns -- mainly rural communities. The investment by AT&T Missouri will amount to $28 million.
"Access to this type of technology will spur economic development, connect friends and family, and set the stage for the expansion of Internet technology in our state, which is critical to our future," Gov. Blunt said. "With this new investment, we are bringing the latest broadband technology to some of the smallest communities in our state."
AT&T Missouri President Cynthia Brinkley credited Governor Blunt and Missouri lawmakers for updating Missouri's telecommunications laws last year to reflect the changed nature of the industry.
"Missouri consumers are the real winners today," said Brinkley. "Thanks to the vision of Gov. Blunt and the Legislature, we are bringing them the technology that they are telling us they want. Consumers can thank their governor, legislative leadership and local lawmakers for making this possible."
Gov. Blunt said that he was pleased to receive the news of the new investment.
"AT&T said that updated rules would encourage new broadband investment in Missouri," said Governor Blunt. "Today, we're seeing them deliver on that promise."
The nine communities receiving DSL for the first time are Portage des Sioux, Lancaster, Downing, Edina, Clarksville, Higbee, Marston, Pierce City and LaMonte.
Cities in which DSL will be expanded are Kirksville, St. Joseph, Smithville, Kansas City, Moberly, Harvester, Manchester, St. Louis, Wildwood, Park Hills, Springfield, Republic, Joplin, Union and Neosho.
"Last year's legislation, Senate Bill 237, was designed to create strong job growth and new technology investment," said Sen. David Klindt, who spearheaded the legislation in the Senate. "By modernizing the regulation of the telecom industry in Missouri, we can ensure that consumers have faster access to the latest technology."
"The legislation was carefully crafted to ensure that the interests of the people are at the heart of this bill -- creating jobs, encouraging investment, and bringing technology to more Missourians. That was our No. 1 priority with this legislation," said Rep. Rex Rector, who sponsored the legislation in the House.
Under the new law, traditional local telephone service providers like AT&T, Century Tel and Sprint have greater flexibility to price services in response to market competition -- just as their competitors. Competitive local telephone companies, cable, wireless and Internet companies are offering phone service in every corner of the state.
Leaders from across the state applauded the initiative and the legislation, saying that the influx of technology will move Missouri forward.
"Passage of SB 237 in 2005 has proved that good policy will result in much-needed investment in advanced communications services that benefit all people in both urban and rural communities. I encourage lawmakers to consider future legislation that will also create new jobs, increase investment, and spur competition and lower prices for consumers across Missouri," said Harold Crumpton, president of the St. Louis NAACP.
"It's a great feeling to know our elected officials listened to us, and now the results of their leadership have come to pass with this announcement about increased communications investment," said DeForrest Cline, Missouri senior advocate from Springfield. "Seniors and consumers across Missouri, as promised, are the true winners."
"Over the years, we have seen how investing in our state's infrastructure of highways and bridges has been a powerful economic development tool for Missouri," said Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Dan Mehan. "Today, a digital infrastructure is being built, and it promises to have the same kind of economic impact on our state."
St. Charles Mayor Patti York said that her town has benefited significantly from access to DSL.
"The ability to attract and keep jobs and businesses is essential to ensuring the continued health of communities like St. Charles," York said. "The fact that we've had access to DSL technology has made our town a more attractive place to do business and to live. The communities that are getting DSL are going to see firsthand how this technology literally changes lives."
St. Louis Fire Department to Stand Down
for Fire Fighter Safety
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), June 18, 2006 - The St. Louis Fire Department is joining thousands of fire departments
across the United States and Canada for the 2006 International Fire
Fighter Safety Stand Down.
Beginning June 20, and continuing until all
members of the department have participated, our fire fighters will
suspend all non-emergency activity to focus on fire fighter safety.
The department will respond to all emergency calls as normal, but
between calls, fire fighters, officers and chiefs will take the time to
conduct safety training and drills; review our safety-related standard
operating procedures; discuss accident reports and have an open
conversation about fire fighter safety in the department.
The focus of the Stand Down is on emergency vehicle safety-in particular, on seatbelt use and safe driving through intersections.
"The St. Louis Fire Department is committed to serving the residents of
the City of St. Louis. Keeping our fire fighters safe and healthy helps
us respond effectively and keep our community protected," said Fire
Chief Sherman George in an announcement. "While fire fighter safety is always a priority
of the St. Louis Fire Department, the Stand Down is an opportunity to
dedicate a significant amount of time to the safety of our personnel."
"The Stand Down also serves to remind the citizens of St. Louis to do
their part in keeping our community's fire fighters safe. Remember to
pull to the right when you see fire trucks or ambulances responding, and
use caution when driving by emergency scenes where fire fighters or
paramedics are helping accident victims," Chief George said.
Last year, 106 fire fighters died in the line of duty in the United
States; 26 of these deaths occurred in emergency vehicle-related
accidents. Thousands more were injured while on duty. The purpose of the
stand down is to call international attention to these unacceptable
numbers of line-of-duty deaths and injuries and devote an entire day to
the critical issue of fire fighter safety.
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