INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) joined AT&T officials in announcing plans to add 35 new cell sites that will deliver third generation wireless broadband across the state, including Lafayette.

Hershman, who authored a 2006 telecom reform law which has been recognized as the best in the nation, said AT&T’s total capital investment in Indiana as a direct result of the bill recently exceeded $1 billion. He cited those numbers as proof Indiana has become an attractive place for technology companies to invest and expand.

AT&T announced plans to add 35 new cell sites that will deliver third generation wireless broadband across Indiana, including Lafayette.

“Through the reform of our telecommunications laws, many companies including AT&T, Smithville telephone, Embarq, and others have been provided with a strong incentive to invest in Indiana, creating jobs and providing Hoosiers with access to the latest technology whether it’s making a call, surfing the Internet, or using new video services” Hershman said. “Investing in Indiana’s communications infrastructure helps Hoosier families and businesses.”

In recent years, the communications company expanded its TV service, U-verse, and its high-speed Internet services to urban and rural areas across the state. In addition to the $1 billion in investments, more than 33 percent of AT&T’s national video service rollouts occurred in Indiana, and more than 1650 new jobs have been created.

Recently, AT&T included Lafayette and West Lafayette in its 3G Wireless Broadband Network, which delivers typical downlink speeds and faster uplink speeds to users. Hershman said the company plans include a new cell site in Lafayette this year.

“New and enhanced connectivity in our area means more opportunities for commerce, education and consumer choice,” Hershman said. “Indiana must work to continue to enhance technology access for all Hoosiers.”

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) says Senate District 7 residents could help direct federal stimulus dollars to local infrastructure projects by submitting their ideas online.

Hershman said most of Indiana’s $4.3 billion in federal stimulus is meant for roads, Medicaid, schools, unemployment and other programs.

To make best use of the monies, Gov. Mitch Daniels charged the Indiana Economic Development Corp., Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs and Indiana Association of Regional Councils with the task of directing the use of funds from the 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Disaster Relief Opportunity and/or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“To achieve long-term and short-term economic development in Indiana, a survey was created to help state and local leaders generate a comprehensive list of potential infrastructure projects, which will be used to maximize the state’s use of federal dollars,” Hershman said.

Constituents can fill out the survey online by Wednesday, Feb. 25 at http://www.bsu.edu/cber.

Hershman said the survey will take less than 10 minutes per project and it is not a grant submission process. However, he said survey participants will benefit from a thorough review of projects, which will help identify all funding streams available through several government sources.

For project specific questions, please contact your community liaison from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs at (800) 824-2476 or click on http://www.in.gov/ocra/files/Community_Liaison_Map_11.17.2008(4).pdf.

You can also contact the Indiana Economic Development Corporation at (800) 463-8081 or click on http://www.in.gov/iedc/files/IEDC_Business_Development_Regions_1.22.09.pdf.