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ADECA

January 4, 2018
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Governor announces Delta Regional Authority, EDA funds for Wi-Fi network in downtown Selma
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MONTGOMERY— A new high-speed Wi-Fi network is coming to downtown Selma with the help of a $75,000 investment by the Delta Regional Authority through a program partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Gov. Kay Ivey announced today.

The funding will support phase one of the Selma Innovation District, which will install a no-cost Wi-Fi network in downtown Selma and provide high-speed internet access to dozens of buildings, residents and tourists visiting the city’s historic sites.

“Convenient access to high-speed internet is becoming a necessity in today’s digital world,” Ivey said. “I greatly appreciate the Delta Regional Authority and the Economic Development Administration for helping complete the important first phase of the Selma Innovation District which will provide reliable Wi-Fi service to the businesses and residents of downtown Selma as well as the many visitors who flock to see the city’s historic sites.”

The Wi-Fi network will cover a 10-block area that includes most of central downtown Selma and will use the city’s existing fiber loop and a private internet service provider to ensure a reliable wireless network. Phases two and three will leverage the wireless network to create an innovation district in downtown Selma, promote tourism, enhance public safety and make delivery of municipal services more efficient. The project will involve the City of Selma, the Selma Redevelopment Authority, the National Park Service, the Alabama Career Center, local colleges, business owners and residents.

Ivey is currently serving as states’ co-chair for the DRA, a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to help create jobs, build communities and improve lives across parts of eight states, including 20 Alabama counties. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the DRA program in Alabama.

In October, DRA and other public and private partners invested $7.1 million in seven projects across Alabama as part of the agency’s States’ Economic Development Assistance Program. Today’s announcement delivers additional investments through the DRA-EDA partnership.

The EDA’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Ivey notified Mayor Darrio Melton that the funding had been approved.

Contact: Mike Presley or Jim Plott


For more information, visit:  http://www.adeca.alabama.gov/