Vermont Gets Grant to Better Use Online Resources

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The state of Vermont is getting a $1.8 million federal grant to help businesses, farms, towns and nonprofit groups use online resources to help respond to disasters such as the flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.

The Vermont Council on Rural Development will use the funds to implement a $2.2 million effort that will offer a suite of online tools, broadband infrastructure and counseling for 25 yet-to-be identified communities hit by flooding.

The communities chosen will have access to tools aimed at increasing internet literacy, improving access to broadband, and utilizing online tools to communicate with citizens.

The grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration was announced Friday by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy and the other members of the state's Congressional delegation.

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