September 30, 2002

Budget Kind to NC Information Highway

Wilmington -- The state-approved budget for 2002-2003 included funding for the North Carolina Information Highway for Community Colleges ($1.2 million) and K-12 ($1.2 million). For the first time in the Highway's history the money was allocated to recurring funds.

"The state budget is a victory for all users of the North Carolina Information Highway," declared H. E. "Hunter" Thompson, Jr., chair of the North Carolina Connectivity Council and director of UNC Wilmington's Community Outreach Services.

"The North Carolina Information Highway ensures that students in rural areas have access to classes that would otherwise not be available at their school. The Highway levels the playing field between urban and rural schools by allowing students in rural areas access to the same educational benefits as those in more urban settings," explained Thompson.

"As chair of the Rural Internet Access Authority and chancellor of UNC Wilmington, I have always supported advancements in telecommunications technologies. I would especially like to thank the legislature for their support. Providing the North Carolina Information Highway to rural areas is key to the continued economic development of our state," remarked Chancellor James Leutze.

"The funding of the North Carolina Information Highway allows us to support the two-way interactive connectivity across the state. It continues to be imperative that we seek to close the technology gap so that all learners will benefit from technological advancements that expand learning opportunities," said Michelle R. Howard-Vital, vice chancellor and associate provost of UNC Wilmington and member of the North Carolina State School Board.

The North Carolina Connectivity Council, formerly known as the North Carolina Information Highway Policy Committee, has been an outstanding advocate for both the rollout of telecommunications services and the development of applications and programs that utilize these services. The council considers both the quantitative and qualitative benefits of being connected, and engages in meaningful dialogue and activities to strengthen the state of connectivity for all of the citizens of North Carolina.

Note to media: For more information on the NC Connectivity Council please contact Hunter Thompson at 962-3138 or thompsonh@uncw.edu