As funds from the national broadband stimulus continue to be deployed, here is a look at some of the new projects being announced:

Alabama has received a $26 million grant to build up broadband infrastructure in rural parts of the state. The project will deploy 600 miles of high-speed fiber through several counties and is expected to create at least 145 jobs. From the Troy Messenger: “More importantly, the long-term impact of having this sophisticated access to the Internet and broadband communications could prove invaluable. Combined with an already impressive package of economic development offerings, this access elevates our region above its peers.” Read more here.

Florida has received a $23.7 million dollar grant to expand broadband access across Highlands County. The project is expected to reach 417,600 residents, 16,000 businesses, 190 community institutions and create at least 120 new jobs. "It doesn't sound like a lot but when you think about those jobs and the ones they will create it is," said Heartland Regional Economic Development Initiative Director Lynn Topel. "It is going to give us opportunities at a cost effective rate." Read more here.

In Kentucky, a $1.3 million dollar project will expand broadband enabled computer access at public libraries. The project will fund 520 new workstations, improve 300 already existing workstations and upgrade 60 public libraries across the state. Read more about the project here.

Funds from the national broadband stimulus continue to reach all 50 states in public-private partnerships designed to bring high-speed Internet access to every American home and business. Here is a look at projects getting under way in five more states:

Colorado: Hundreds of local schools are set to be connected to high-speed Internet access with growing support for a $100.6 million broadband expansion project. The project is being led by Eagle-Net, whose stated goal is "to enable access for technology-rich, quality education to every student in all 178 Colorado public school districts via broadband network services." Read more about the project here.

Illinois: $16 million has been allocated for two Chicago groups seeking to expand broadband services. The SmartChicago Sustainable Broadband Adoption program will receive $7 million, while the SmartChicago Public Computer Centers will receive nearly $9 million toward upgrading computer systems at more than 150 locations, including libraries, community colleges and senior centers. Read more about the projects here.

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Four more states announced projects to expand broadband access, increase adoption numbers and modernize state agencies. Here is a look at some of the projects getting underway:

Kentucky: Connected Nation is developing a $78 million plan combining public and private funding to bring high-speed Internet access to all state residents over the course of two years. CEO Brian Mefford said the project would also include broadband training courses. “The biggest barriers have to be addressed to get those people online,” Mefford said. “This program will begin addressing those barriers starting with the poorest of the poor.” The project will also create jobs in tech support and broadband education. “We’ll also be looking for other adults in the community who are technology savvy,” Mefford said, “who might be interested in being that type of ongoing resource.” Read the Daily News story here.

Minnesota: The Blandin Foundation has received a $4.7 million grant to be distributed through 19 rural community partners, including state workforce centers and state university system. The project will not actually build broadband fiber or wireless towers, but will seek to improve adoption and awareness of existing broadband capabilities. "This was not a slam dunk,'' said Blandin President Jim Hoolihan. "We're pretty excited.'' Read the Minneapolis Star Tribune story here.

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While Congress begins reviewing the FCC’s National Broadband Plan recommendations, a number of new projects are getting underway to expand high-speed Internet access to rural and underserved communities. Here is a look at three more states launching broadband projects:

In Kentucky: A new community initiative in Lexington will use a two-year, $1.1 million federal grant to create jobs and train residents on how to use broadband technology. "What we will do is hire from the community five people who will be in the administration of Urban League and these will be under and unemployed people from the neighborhood who will then be trained to go back into their neighborhood to work with their neighbors in their households teaching them how to be engaged, how to be involved and how deal with broadband," said Urban League President PG Peeples. Read the full story here.

In Massachusetts: The OpenCape Corporation has been awarded a $32 million grant to build a 350-mile fiber line which will be used to connect broadband to hospitals, research organizations and other “anchor institutions” in the public and private sector. Full project details here.

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