New Mexico Integrated Strategic Broadband Initiative Governor Richardson's Office and the New Mexico Department of Information Technology are organizing applications from throughout the state for federal broadband 'stimulus' funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The New Mexico Integrated Strategic Broadband Initiative (NM-ISBI) serves as the strategic guidance for the approach being used by the State. In this approach, the State will aggregate its demand and serve as the "anchor" for ensuring broadband access in sufficient bandwidth is available to public institutions in over 90 communities throughout the state. This includes all school districts, all four-year community and branch colleges, state libraries, tele-healthcare centers, public safety facilities, supercomputer gateways and government offices. In addition, the State is requesting information from any entity (native community, telecom provider, public institution, private sector, county, city or regional, other) that is considering a broadband proposal under the ARRA. The federal government is encouraging communities to collaborate on such proposals and it will benefit New Mexico to ensure that all plans are part of the States long range plan (NM-ISBI). Interested entities should click on the link below, provide the information requested, and email the information to Richard Lowenberg at Design Nine. Should you have any questions about the form/survey, the State's approach or questions in general, please call Richard at 505-603-5200. Integrated Strategic Broadband Initiative: Providers and Users Survey The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression. With much at stake, the Act provides for unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability so that you will be able to know how, when, and where your tax dollars are being spent. Spearheaded by a new Recovery Board, this Act contains built-in measures to root out waste, inefficiency, and unnecessary spending.