DORR PRESENTS TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING AT RURAL UTAH BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

ST.GEORGE, Utah, May 29, 2003 -Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today said access to rural broadband technology is a key component to economic vitality in rural areas during a joint check presentation with U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. Dorr and Senator Bennett presented checks totaling $1.3 million to two Utah businesses that have committed to developing rural broadband services in Utah. The presentation was made during Senator Bennett's Second Annual Rural Utah Business Technology Conference being held St. George. Receiving the checks were representatives from Skyline Telecom and Goshute Indian Tribe Reservation.

"Senator Bennett's Business and Technology Conference provides 21st Century vision that will bring new economic opportunities to the residents of Utah," said Dorr. "We share a common desire to support the development of information technology."

Dorr added that the technology infrastructure being developed through the USDA grant funding provides access to a bridge that will connect local residents with the vast knowledge and information resources of the world. "Skyline and Uintah Basin are to be congratulated for providing new opportunities for health, education and expanded economic development for Native Americans, and others living in these rural areas."

Skyline Telecom in Fairview, Utah received an $850,820 grant to provide broadband connectivity to the Goshute Indian Tribe Reservation located in Skull Valley in Tooele County. Uintah Basin Telecommunications Association, Inc. (UBTA), received two separate grants totaling $468,385 to provide broadband connectivity to the Northern Ute Tribe in Whiterocks, Uintah County, and the community of Altamont, Duchesne County.

Communities selected do not have access to broadband connectivity for essential services of police, fire protection, hospitals, libraries and schools. In return for receiving a grant, the communities will provide community residents with computer and Internet access. The grant program supplements USDA Rural Development's standard high-speed telecommunications loan program.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity, liquidity, and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov .

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