SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 107

(By Senators Tomblin, Mr. President and Unger)



Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the state's technology infrastructure and economic development opportunities with the advancement of digital communications, broadband, wireless communications and the internet in the State of West Virginia.

Whereas, The internet revolution is driving today's economy and information technology offers increased economic opportunities, higher living standards, more individual choices and wider and more meaningful participation in government and public life; and
Whereas, The ability of people in all parts of this state to have affordable access to the internet is an important component in the ability of the state and its people and institutions to remain competitive in the information-based global economy; and
Whereas, Access to the internet will complement the learning experiences of children in rural areas by giving them a window to the world and allowing them to gather data from the information superhighway which would not otherwise be available to them; and
Whereas, Internet access will give rural medical clinics a direct connection to medical experts in this state and throughout this country; and
Whereas, The educational, medical, cultural and economic benefits of the internet are useless to people and businesses who are neither connected to nor able to access the information superhighway; and
Whereas, The efficient and comprehensive development of technology infrastructure, and the resulting benefits of accessibility to advanced information services and the internet, are linked to the coordinated ubiquitous deployment and operation of information systems, information technology, information equipment and telecommunications systems; and
Whereas, The management, goals and purposes of government are furthered by the completion of an inventory of information systems, information technology, information equipment, telecommunications- related services and systems and general technology infrastructure and linked information systems across government; and
Whereas, Technology infrastructure supports homeland security and public safety; and
Whereas, In West Virginia and nationwide, local governments are considering ways to promote broadband networks in their communities for the purposes of homeland security, public safety and economic development; and
Whereas, Local government efforts are intended to complement wirelines and cable networks; and
Whereas, Technology infrastructure is essential to business and economic development within the state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the state's technology infrastructure and economic development opportunities with the advancement of digital communications, broadband, wireless communications and the internet in the State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance's study include the process of developing an inventory of the statewide operation of information systems, information technology, information equipment and telecommunications-related services and systems; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance's study examine the economic benefits to the state by the ubiquitous deployment of technology infrastructure and the process of developing an innovation center to coordinate research and development efforts throughout the state and to build sustainable communities through affordable technology infrastructure; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance's study examine the benefits of technology infrastructure in promoting economic development, providing homeland security, providing continuity of government operations and promoting public welfare; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance's study examine the kind of technology infrastructure, including wireless communications, necessary for widespread growth and development and identify where technology is severely lacking; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance's study examine intergovernmental cooperation and public- private partnerships as effective methods to approach common development and ubiquitous deployment of technology infrastructure and services and the most effective use of local, state, federal and private resources; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2006, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.