Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

4-wheel hose cart in the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1


4-wheel hose cart in the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 12Feb2019

The writer's lunch – with cold coffee


The writer's lunch – with cold coffee. #amwriting #onassignment #partylikeajournalist 12Feb2019

The writer's lunch – with cold coffee


The writer's lunch – with cold coffee. #amwriting #onassignment #partylikeajournalist 12Feb2019

Food, #amwriting, #onassignment, #partylikeajournalist, #eatlikeajournalist, Food mac and cheese, 

Dinner at the Westminster Fire Company


Dinner at the Westminster Fire Company featuring stories by Ed. 12feb2019

Dinner at the Westminster Fire Company

Dinner at the Westminster Fire Company featuring stories by Ed. 12feb2019

Dinner at the Westminster Fire Company


Dinner at the Westminster Fire Company featuring stories by Ed. 12feb2019

Food dinner, Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster dinner, Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster, #Dayhoffphotoblog, #DayByDay, Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos fire service, 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Feb. 11, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council


Feb. 11, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council

Feb. 11, 2019

What a difference a month makes. A month ago there was standing room only at the Jan. 14, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council. Monday, in the middle of the snow storm, there were less than 10 folks in the audience and the meeting lasted 15 minutes. I am not quite sure if that is a record or not – but if it is not a record, it is close to it.


Agenda for the CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7 pm

Council Chambers of City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD

The weather was bad. It had snowed and rained freezing rain for the last 24-hours. Most of staff did not attend the meeting – as per the request of Ms. Matthews.

1.   CALL TO ORDER The meeting began at 7 p.m.

2.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A)  Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 14, 2019

B)  Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 28, 2019

Approved.

3.   CONSENT CALENDAR

A)  Approval – Standardized Public Works Agreements and other Development-related Documents – Mr.
Mackey

Approved

4.   REPORT FROM THE MAYOR

No report.

5.   REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

A)  Arts Council – No report.

B)  Economic & Community Development Committee

Ben Yingling had Ms. Matthews deliver a report on the city’s water re-use initiative.

C)  Finance Committee – No report.

D)  Personnel Committee – No report.

E)  Public Safety Committee – No report.

F)  Public Works Committee – No report.

6.   COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION – none.

7.   ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS

Adoption - Resolution No. 19-05 of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending the adopted Water and Wastewater Allocation Policy for 2018-2024 – Mr. Mackey

The resolution was adopted.

8.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS9. NEW BUSINESS

A)  Approval - Annexation Agreement A-1121 for Parcels 1 and 5 of the EOB and DASY properties – Mr. Mackey

Brooks Leahy attended the meeting with Mark and Dave Bollinger.

10. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

The only report was Westminster Fire Company President Jamie Petry’s report for the fire department.

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS


13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:15.
*****
++++++++++++++++++++
Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT
Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun
Westminster Fire Dept. and MTA Lodge #20 Chaplain and PIO
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/

Feb. 11, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council


Feb. 11, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council

Feb. 11, 2019

What a difference a month makes. A month ago there was standing room only at the Jan. 14, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council. Monday, in the middle of the snow storm, there were less than 10 folks in the audience and the meeting lasted 15 minutes. I am not quite sure if that is a record or not – but if it is not a record, it is close to it.


Agenda for the CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7 pm

Council Chambers of City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD

The weather was bad. It had snowed and rained freezing rain for the last 24-hours. Most of staff did not attend the meeting – as per the request of Ms. Matthews.

1.   CALL TO ORDER The meeting began at 7 p.m.

2.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A)  Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 14, 2019

B)  Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 28, 2019

Approved.

3.   CONSENT CALENDAR

A)  Approval – Standardized Public Works Agreements and other Development-related Documents – Mr.
Mackey

Approved

4.   REPORT FROM THE MAYOR

No report.

5.   REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

A)  Arts Council – No report.

B)  Economic & Community Development Committee

Ben Yingling had Ms. Matthews deliver a report on the city’s water re-use initiative.

C)  Finance Committee – No report.

D)  Personnel Committee – No report.

E)  Public Safety Committee – No report.

F)  Public Works Committee – No report.

6.   COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION – none.

7.   ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS

Adoption - Resolution No. 19-05 of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending the adopted Water and Wastewater Allocation Policy for 2018-2024 – Mr. Mackey

The resolution was adopted.

8.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS9. NEW BUSINESS

A)  Approval - Annexation Agreement A-1121 for Parcels 1 and 5 of the EOB and DASY properties – Mr. Mackey

Brooks Leahy attended the meeting with Mark and Dave Bollinger.

10. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

The only report was Westminster Fire Company President Jamie Petry’s report for the fire department.

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS


13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:15.
*****

Kevin Dayhoff at the 2nd Off Track Art show February 11, 2009 – July 5, 2009.


Kevin Dayhoff at the 2nd Off Track Art show February 11, 2009 – July 5, 2009. "OFF TRACK ART" an Artist Cooperative at 11 Liberty St— side entrance in downtown Westminster, MD. 20081209 20131231 OTA



*****
++++++++++++++++++++
Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT
Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun
Westminster Fire Dept. and MTA Lodge #20 Chaplain and PIO
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/

Kevin Dayhoff at the 2nd Off Track Art show February 11, 2009 – July 5, 2009.


Kevin Dayhoff at the 2nd Off Track Art show February 11, 2009 – July 5, 2009. "OFF TRACK ART" an Artist Cooperative at 11 Liberty St— side entrance in downtown Westminster, MD. 20081209 20131231 OTA



*****

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Museum at The Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1.


Museum at The Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1. 8Feb2019

Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster, Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster history museum, #Westminster, #WestminsterFireCo, #Dayhoffphotoblog, #DayByDay, Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, 

Museum at The Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1.

Museum at The Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1. 8Feb2019

Museum at The Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1.


Museum at The Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1. 8Feb2019

Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster, Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster history museum, #Westminster, #WestminsterFireCo, #Dayhoffphotoblog, #DayByDay, Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, 

Maryland State Police Warning Public about Telephone Scams

Maryland State Police Warning Public about Telephone Scams

#ALERT Maryland State Police is warning the public regarding several recently reported phone scams. As a reminder, never give your personal information out over the phone. https://www.facebook.com/MarylandStatePolice/photos/a.155263044494316/2224530824234184/?type=3&theater

For more up to date information about crime and crime prevention fo here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandStatePolice/
According to a release from the Maryland State Police on February 7, 2019

(PIKESVILLE, Md.) — Maryland State Police are warning the public about a reported telephone scam in which the caller cloned a state police number and requested personal information from people as part of a criminal investigation.

A woman called the Maryland State Police on Thursday morning and reported she had received a call in which the caller ID on her phone showed “Maryland State Government” and the number 301-475-8955, which is the number for the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack. When she answered the call, the person on the other end told her she was a suspect in a drug trafficking investigation and that she needed to provide them her Social Security number and other identifying personal information.

This is just one of several phone scams recently reported to Maryland State Police. The Salisbury Barrack reported that some of the scams reported include victims receiving telephone calls where they are threatened with arrest or the continued detention of family members if they do not provide money, account numbers or purchase a re-loadable gift or credit cards.

Another telephone scam includes the victim being called by a representative of the Internal Revenue Service and threatened in the same fashion. The Salisbury Barrack reported that other victims have had their computers infected with a computer virus and were prompted to take immediate action in order to salvage the computer, which included purchasing up to $2,000 in gift cards to pay the company to correct the issue.

This came after the Maryland State Police Cumberland Barrack was recently inundated with numerous telephone calls regarding a scam in which a man or woman claiming to be from the Social Security Administration requested information and threatened to have the police respond to their address to arrest them.

These scammers are using scare tactics and sophisticated technology to attempt to take advantage of the public. If you are a senior citizen, or have a family member that is a senior citizen, please be aware and ensure they are aware of these scams so they do not fall victim to them.

The Maryland State Police, along with government agencies like the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service, would never solicit such information or services over the phone from any citizen. Never give any personal information over the phone, and only allow a qualified reputable computer technician the ability to repair your computer should it become infected with a virus. Many of these telephone scams are disguising themselves by utilizing local telephone number prefixes.

Anyone who receives such a phone call should hang up and then contact their local state police barrack. Callers may remain anonymous.

###


*****

Maryland State Police Warning Public about Telephone Scams

Maryland State Police Warning Public about Telephone Scams

#ALERT Maryland State Police is warning the public regarding several recently reported phone scams. As a reminder, never give your personal information out over the phone. https://www.facebook.com/MarylandStatePolice/photos/a.155263044494316/2224530824234184/?type=3&theater

For more up to date information about crime and crime prevention fo here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandStatePolice/
According to a release from the Maryland State Police on February 7, 2019

(PIKESVILLE, Md.) — Maryland State Police are warning the public about a reported telephone scam in which the caller cloned a state police number and requested personal information from people as part of a criminal investigation.

A woman called the Maryland State Police on Thursday morning and reported she had received a call in which the caller ID on her phone showed “Maryland State Government” and the number 301-475-8955, which is the number for the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack. When she answered the call, the person on the other end told her she was a suspect in a drug trafficking investigation and that she needed to provide them her Social Security number and other identifying personal information.

This is just one of several phone scams recently reported to Maryland State Police. The Salisbury Barrack reported that some of the scams reported include victims receiving telephone calls where they are threatened with arrest or the continued detention of family members if they do not provide money, account numbers or purchase a re-loadable gift or credit cards.

Another telephone scam includes the victim being called by a representative of the Internal Revenue Service and threatened in the same fashion. The Salisbury Barrack reported that other victims have had their computers infected with a computer virus and were prompted to take immediate action in order to salvage the computer, which included purchasing up to $2,000 in gift cards to pay the company to correct the issue.

This came after the Maryland State Police Cumberland Barrack was recently inundated with numerous telephone calls regarding a scam in which a man or woman claiming to be from the Social Security Administration requested information and threatened to have the police respond to their address to arrest them.

These scammers are using scare tactics and sophisticated technology to attempt to take advantage of the public. If you are a senior citizen, or have a family member that is a senior citizen, please be aware and ensure they are aware of these scams so they do not fall victim to them.

The Maryland State Police, along with government agencies like the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service, would never solicit such information or services over the phone from any citizen. Never give any personal information over the phone, and only allow a qualified reputable computer technician the ability to repair your computer should it become infected with a virus. Many of these telephone scams are disguising themselves by utilizing local telephone number prefixes.

Anyone who receives such a phone call should hang up and then contact their local state police barrack. Callers may remain anonymous.

###


*****

Carroll Community Media Center: January 26, 2019 NAACP Martin Luther King Breakfast

Carroll Community Center: NAACP Martin Luther King Breakfast

CC NAACP’s 16th Annual MLK Breakfast Jan. 26, 2019 9 am at Martins

On Saturday, Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 9 a.m., Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven A. Lockard was the guest speaker at the 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast at Martin’s of Westminster, sponsored by the Carroll County NAACP Branch 7014.

The Carroll Community Center presents coverage of the 2019 Carroll County NAACP Martin Luther King Breakfast featuring guest speaker Dr. Steven Lockard, Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent: https://www.carrollmediacenter.org/program/naacp-martin-luther-king-breakfast

Labels: ,

Upcoming Airdates:

Saturday, February 9, 2019 | 1:30pm

Sunday, February 10, 2019 | 2:30pm

Monday, February 11, 2019 | 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | 9:30pm

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 | 9:00am

Friday, February 15, 2019 | 7:30pm

Saturday, February 16, 2019 | 3:30pm

Sunday, February 17, 2019 | 2:00pm

Monday, February 18, 2019 | 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 | 9:30pm

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 | 6:00am




*****
++++++++++++++++++++


Carroll Community Media Center: January 26, 2019 NAACP Martin Luther King Breakfast

Carroll Community Center: NAACP Martin Luther King Breakfast

CC NAACP’s 16th Annual MLK Breakfast Jan. 26, 2019 9 am at Martins

On Saturday, Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 9 a.m., Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven A. Lockard was the guest speaker at the 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast at Martin’s of Westminster, sponsored by the Carroll County NAACP Branch 7014.

The Carroll Community Center presents coverage of the 2019 Carroll County NAACP Martin Luther King Breakfast featuring guest speaker Dr. Steven Lockard, Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent: https://www.carrollmediacenter.org/program/naacp-martin-luther-king-breakfast

Labels: ,

Upcoming Airdates:

Saturday, February 9, 2019 | 1:30pm

Sunday, February 10, 2019 | 2:30pm

Monday, February 11, 2019 | 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | 9:30pm

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 | 9:00am

Friday, February 15, 2019 | 7:30pm

Saturday, February 16, 2019 | 3:30pm

Sunday, February 17, 2019 | 2:00pm

Monday, February 18, 2019 | 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 | 9:30pm

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 | 6:00am




*****

Friday, February 08, 2019

Marine, local business owner Charles Zincon, 93, of Westminster

Marine, local business owner Charles Zincon, 93, of Westminster

Charles Zincon, a quiet community leader who owned Modern Ideal Laundry and Dry Cleaners for 40-years, passed away on January 12, 2019

By Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff

February 7, 2019

About a month ago, a fellow Marine, Charles Zincon, a quiet community leader, who worked hard and tirelessly and helped make Westminster what it is today – passed away on January 12, 2019 at the age of 93. He was born in Tannery on September 22, 1925.

He attended Westminster High School before he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific Theater throughout World War II. After returning home, he and his late wife owned Modern Ideal Laundry and Dry Cleaners on East Green Street in Westminster, for over 40-years.

Mr. Zincon was awesome people. A little known fact – he was the bartender at my wedding reception.

He was not a sports star or a Hollywood actor. However, he was a big deal. He a local community business owner, who got up every day and worked about a 12-hour day, contributed to his community, his local church and local civic organizations.

He did not make a fuss. He was not one to boast or draw attention to himself. He died with little notice from the community. Many folks these days are not aware of his quiet contributions to our community.

His death was not the topic of headlines in the newspaper, or a segment on the local television news. There was little mention of his passing on social media.

Athletes and movie stars have never been my heroes. I always felt that such hero worship was misplaced, displaced, and inappropriate.

I always felt such Hollywood and sports hero worship sent the wrong message to our children and demonstrated a wrong set of values for our community. My heroes have always been local business owners, teachers, soldiers, police officers, fire fighters, and public servants.

As a native of Westminster and an avid amateur historian, I realized as a child that one could not study the history of accomplishment for a city such as Westminster without first understanding the history of leadership that this community has been provided by local business owners, teachers, soldiers, police officers, fire fighters, and public servants.

We all belong to God and to Him we shall return.

Rest in peace brother, your watch is over we will take it from here, you duty is done here, God has your place in heaven. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

+++++++++++++

Obituary for Charles L. Zincon, Jr.

Charles L. Zincon Jr. “Junior,” 93, of Westminster passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 12, 2019 in Wellspring Village at Brightview surrounded by family and friends.

He was born on September 22, 1925 in Tannery (Westminster), Maryland, the son of the late Charles Lewis Zincon Sr. and Esther Freberthauser Lockard, brother of the late Eileen Zincon Gill, and the loving and devoted husband of the late Catherine Jane Zincon.

He attended Westminster Senior High School until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Charles served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After his service, he received an honorable discharge.

After his discharge, Charles attended the National Institute of Dry Cleaning. With his brother-in-law, Roy E. Gill Jr., he bought New Ideal Cleaning and Laundry. For over 40 years, he and his late wife owned Modern Ideal Laundry and Dry Cleaners.

Charles was a member of the Door to Virtue Masonic Lodge #46, Life Member of the V.F.W. Molleville Farm Post 467, and American Legion Post 31. He is a past President of the Westminster Optimist, and Parishioner and Council Member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Westminster.

Surviving are daughter and son-in-law Joyce A. and Michael Dempsey of Westminster, son and daughter-in-law Charles L. Zincon III and Joni Zincon of Westminster.

Grandchildren Kelly Dempsey and partner Chad Brough, Liam Dempsey and wife Casey, Haley Zincon, Macy Zincon; great-grandchildren Devin Andrews, Courtney Andrews, and Kieran Dempsey; nieces Sharon Gill, Melissa Stump, and Mary Armacost; and Brightview Family and Friends.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 11am at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Leister’s Church Rd. Reception to follow. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Carroll Hospice, St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, and any charitable organization supporting veterans.

Online condolences may be offered at www.prittsfuneralhome.com.

https://www.prittsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=4011599#/obituaryInfo

https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/marine-local-business-owner-charles-zincon-93-westminster

https://www.facebook.com/notes/kevin-earl-dayhoff/marine-local-business-owner-charles-zincon-93-of-westminster/10156189914427654/

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/2019/02/08/marine-local-business-owner-charles-zincon-93-of-westminster/

*****

Thursday, February 07, 2019

USDA launches high-speed broadband e-connectivity resource guide


Broadband e-connectivity guide available

USDA launches high-speed broadband e-connectivity resource guide

PUBLISHED ON February 6, 2019

WASHINGTON — Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new toolkit to help support the deployment of high-speed broadband e-Connectivity in rural communities.

“High-speed broadband e-Connectivity is becoming more and more essential to doing business, delivering health care, and, for schoolchildren, doing homework in rural communities,” Hazlett said. “This user-friendly tool will help rural customers find the many resources USDA has available to support the expansion and use of e-Connectivity in rural America.”

The e-Connectivity Toolkit (PDF, 4.3 MB) features 27 USDA programs that support broadband deployment. The easy-to-use resource is a simple guide that allows customers to identify their type of e-Connectivity project and locate resources the federal government offers for planning, equipment, construction, research and other e-Connectivity projects. Resources such as grants, loans and technical assistance are available from multiple Mission Areas at USDA, including Rural Development, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Forest Service.

The toolkit highlights examples of how e-Connectivity resources are being used to increase access to broadband services in rural communities. It is free and available to the public online, and can be easily printed for offline use.

USDA’s launch of the e-Connectivity Toolkit closely follows Secretary Sonny Perdue’s unveiling of the ReConnect Program, a pilot program authorized by the Consolidated Budget Act of 2018, to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas that lack sufficient access to broadband.

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

–USDA

For more articles concerning infrastructure, click here.
++++++++++++++++++++
Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT
Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun
Westminster Fire Dept. and MTA Lodge #20 Chaplain and PIO
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/

USDA launches high-speed broadband e-connectivity resource guide


Broadband e-connectivity guide available

USDA launches high-speed broadband e-connectivity resource guide

PUBLISHED ON February 6, 2019

WASHINGTON — Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new toolkit to help support the deployment of high-speed broadband e-Connectivity in rural communities.

“High-speed broadband e-Connectivity is becoming more and more essential to doing business, delivering health care, and, for schoolchildren, doing homework in rural communities,” Hazlett said. “This user-friendly tool will help rural customers find the many resources USDA has available to support the expansion and use of e-Connectivity in rural America.”

The e-Connectivity Toolkit (PDF, 4.3 MB) features 27 USDA programs that support broadband deployment. The easy-to-use resource is a simple guide that allows customers to identify their type of e-Connectivity project and locate resources the federal government offers for planning, equipment, construction, research and other e-Connectivity projects. Resources such as grants, loans and technical assistance are available from multiple Mission Areas at USDA, including Rural Development, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Forest Service.

The toolkit highlights examples of how e-Connectivity resources are being used to increase access to broadband services in rural communities. It is free and available to the public online, and can be easily printed for offline use.

USDA’s launch of the e-Connectivity Toolkit closely follows Secretary Sonny Perdue’s unveiling of the ReConnect Program, a pilot program authorized by the Consolidated Budget Act of 2018, to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas that lack sufficient access to broadband.

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

–USDA

For more articles concerning infrastructure, click here.
++++++++++++++++++++
Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT
Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun
Westminster Fire Dept. and MTA Lodge #20 Chaplain and PIO
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/