In Maryland, Baltimore County has launched an $18.5 million project that will build up broadband infrastructure, improving communication between public safety institutions, schools, hospitals and libraries.

County Executive James T. Smith Jr. called the broadband project "a real game-changer, both for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of critical government operations and also for helping to create jobs."

The project is also expected to improve broadband performance for the public at large, with improvements being made to 120 county sites where the public accesses high-speed Internet, such as public schools, colleges, libraries and county agencies. Planners of the project say it will provide economic incentives as well, both for existing businesses and for those looking for jobs. Several jobs will also be created for the installation of the new broadband infrastructure itself.

"We are looking at a second and third generation of jobs," said Rep. John Sarbanes. "Employers can use a work force that has more flexibility."

Read more about the project in the Baltimore Sun here.