UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN 3rd DISTRICT, NEBRASKA TOM OSBORNE

Washington Round-up | Week of August 9, 2004

Holding a Stake in the Future of the Third District

Traveling throughout the District, I have visited many successful communities. In the most successful communities, passionate and focused residents work to add value and create opportunities for both present and future generations. These committed individuals realize that the future of rural Nebraska hinges on interdependence and mutual success. All those with a stake in the future of the Third District, from agricultural producers and entrepreneurs to main street businesses and senior citizens, need to work together to strengthen and diversify its economy.

I recently released an updated version of the Rural Economic Development Handbook and Resource Guide. This handbook emphasizes several important features of successful economic development including entrepreneurship, value-added agriculture, and tourism. In addition, the handbook addresses issues critical to any community, such as housing, education, and healthcare.

Two major themes are highlighted in this handbook—technology and regionalism. Technology is no longer a luxury—it is a basic necessity to economic development. The use of technology allows existing businesses to build clientele with no geographical boundaries; fosters new entrepreneurial activities; recruits industries to Nebraska; permits workers to enjoy rural Nebraska’s lifestyle while working for themselves or in another state or country; and enhances access to many community services, including distance learning and telemedicine. The University of Nebraska at Kearney, for example, utilizes distance education and the digital fiber system available through the Education Service Units to administer a masters-level principal preparation program.

In its third year, the Broadband Community Connect program has already invested $21.3 million in grant funds to connect essential services of police and fire protection, local government, hospitals, libraries, and schools to broadband services. Since its inception, the program has connected 74 communities to high-speed telecommunications. In return, the communities are required to make at least 10 computers available to the public with set hours and instruction available for use on the Internet.

The Third District’s ability to fully harness available technological advances will determine its future viability. I understand that many rural towns face obstacles, particularly the cost of technology, as they work to establish high-speed telecommunications in their communities. Recently, Agriculture Secretary Ann. M. Veneman announced that $9 million in grant funds are available to help communities connect essential community facilities where no broadband service exists. I applaud Secretary Veneman’s announcement and encourage community leaders to capitalize on these federal funds.

All applications for the broadband grant funds must be received by September 13, 2004. Online grant applications can be found at http://www.grants.gov. Complete paper applications are to be submitted to the Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 5151, STOP 150, Washington, D.C., 20250-1590. Applications must be addressed, “Attention: Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program,” and postmarked by midnight, September 13, 2004.

Regionalism is the second major theme of the handbook. Nebraskans have always been competitive, but in the 21st century, most communities can no longer achieve success without focusing on cooperating with other communities toward common economic goals. Regional partnerships increase capacity for investment and growth. The future of Nebraska depends on the strength and stability of the statewide economy as a whole.

To learn more about rural economic development, please take advantage of the online edition of the Rural Economic Development Handbook by visiting the publications section of my website at www.house.gov/osborne. In addition, do not hesitate to contact my offices in Grand Island, Kearney, McCook, Scottsbluff, or Washington, D.C., for further information or a hard copy of the handbook.

High school students, parents, grandparents, fifth-generation homesteaders, new immigrants, retired residents, former residents, elected officials, and business people can all be involved in economic development. Together, we can build a successful and vibrant future for the Nebraska’s Third District.