Chicago groups to get $16 mil for broadband access

CHICAGO -- Two Chicago groups are to split more than $16 million in federal stimulus money for projects aimed at expanding access to broadband Internet services.

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris announced the funding from the Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

The SmartChicago Sustainable Broadband Adoption program is to receive more than $7 million. The senator's office says group hopes to fund a broadband awareness and adoption program in five Chicago neighborhoods.

The SmartChicago Public Computer Centers project is to receive nearly $9 million. The project has proposed upgrading computer workstations at more than 150 locations. Those locations would include libraries, community colleges, senior centers and other community locations in Chicago.