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.