March 16, 2010

Washington, DC – Rep. Ben Ray Luján sent a letter to Google CEO Eric Schmidt urging him to consider Think BIG Farmington’s proposal for the Google Fiber for Communities project. According to Google, the Fiber for Communities Project will build and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the country.

“I want to commend Google on its plan to build and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in trial locations across the country through its Google Fiber for Communities project,” said Rep. Luján. “As our country becomes increasingly dependent on internet technology to conduct our everyday activities, we must continue to invest in the development of internet technology that will ensure high-quality access for all communities.”

Rep. Luján highlighted the unique characteristics that make Farmington an ideal choice for the project.

“The community of Farmington is diverse, encompassing rural areas of San Juan county and part of the Navajo Nation… Furthermore, Farmington has the infrastructure to support this project, and the city would make an excellent partner in your mission to experiment with next generation computer applications and new deployment techniques.”

FULL TEXT OF LETTER

Dear Mr. Schmidt:

I want to commend Google on its plan to build and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in trial locations across the country through its Google Fiber for Communities project. As our country becomes increasingly dependent on internet technology to conduct our everyday activities, we must continue to invest in the development of Internet technology that will ensure high-quality access for all communities.

I am writing in strong support of Think BIG Farmington’s proposal to become a test site for the Google Fiber for Communities project. This letter follows the nomination for Farmington, New Mexico that I submitted through Google’s website.

The community of Farmington is diverse, encompassing rural areas of San Juan county and part of the Navajo Nation. The history of Farmington is as rich in history as it is culture, and the history of area communities can be dated back to over 2000 years ago. Farmington has long been a center for commerce in northwestern New Mexico--its farming and ranching economy flourished in the early 1900s and then, later, its natural gas economy.

Google and the city of Farmington will both benefit greatly from this advanced network. By selecting Farmington as a pilot community, Google can advance its gigabit speed internet network while gaining technological experience in a unique geographic region. Furthermore, Farmington has the infrastructure to support this project, and the city would make an excellent partner in your mission to experiment with next generation computer applications and new deployment techniques. Technological advancements are key contributors to economic growth, and building your network in Farmington will equip the community with tools to drive productivity, prepare students for high-tech jobs, improve access to education, and generate a higher standard of living for its residents.

The Google Fiber for Communities project will create more jobs and help grow small businesses in New Mexico, two key objectives that I have been a strong advocate for during my time in Congress. I urge your full consideration of Think BIG Farmington’s proposal, and thank you for your continued commitment to innovation.

Sincerely,

Ben Ray Luján

Member of Congress