NATIONAL NEWS

BroadbandBreakfast.com: The Rise of the Middle Mile in Obama's Theory of Broadband Stimulus
http://broadbandbreakfast.com/2009/12/the-rise-of-the-middle-mile-in-obamas-theory-of-broadband-stimulus/
Last Thursday’s announcement of broadband stimulus – even if it was about two-and-a-half percent of the total broadband stimulus funding – was like manna to broadband industry….Telecom and tech officials have been puzzling over the problem of last mile connectivity for years. (So much so, in fact, that some internet purists insist on calling this home-connectivity the “first mile,” because it connects people to the rest of the Net.)  The middle mile, by contrast, is coming out for its solo in the spotlight under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and Broadband Infrastructure Program.  Of the funding announced on Thursday, about $170 million of the $182 million total appear to be targeted at this middle mile problem and opportunity.

STATE NEWS

Times Daily: Grants Eyed to Upgrade Water Pipes
http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20091221/ARTICLES/912215030/1011/NEWS?Title=Grants-eyed-to-upgrade-water-pipes
Franklin County commissioners are considering a federal community development grant that could help them improve water infrastructure in the county.  In 2008, the county applied for a Housing and Urban Development grant for road improvements, but the application was denied. With a recommendation from Kenneth Brooks, director of government services for the North Alabama Council of Local Governments, commissioners are focusing on water projects this fiscal year.

Battle Creek Enquirer: County Must Maintain Roads with 1997-level Revenue
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20091222/OPINION01/912220303/1014/OPINION/Kevin-Henning-County-must-maintain-roads-with-1997-level-revenue
In recent weeks, much has been reported on the poor condition of Calhoun County's roads. A report released by the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) stated that Calhoun County's roads were the third worst in the state…MITA's report referenced federal aid-eligible roads only, which make up 33 percent of Calhoun County's total road system. Of these 33 percent, one-half were rated in poor condition. Since the data used was from 2007, it does not reflect road improvements on federal aid projects that were completed in 2008 and 2009.

NWTN Today: Obion County's Infrastructure Needs include 59 projects, Investment of $245 Million.
http://www.nwtntoday.com/news.php?viewStory=35202
TN Infrastructure Alliance recently completed a statewide, 95-county “Truck Tour” to raise awareness and support for Tennessee’s infrastructure needs.  TIA stopped in Obion County to highlight the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations’ report: “Building Tennessee’s Tomorrow: Anticipating the State’s Infrastructure Needs.”  “Infrastructure is the very foundation of society, and its development and maintenance is one of the primary responsibilities of government,” TIA chairman Pete DeLay said. “Without basic infrastructure services — drinking water, sewer systems, flood control, a transportation network — the delivery of other services, such as education and health care, fire and police protection, are impossible.”