FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 1998
CONTACT: Paige Darden
(202) 482-7002
pdarden@ntia.doc.gov

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Commerce Department's Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) today announced that FY98 grant applications are available as of today. February 12, 1998 has been established as the deadline for returning completed applications. Approximately $21 million is available for grant awards. PTFP provides up to 75% of the total eligible project cost of a construction (i.e., equipment purchase) proposal and up to 100% of the cost of a planning project. More detailed information about the program's regulations and procedures can be found in the Notice of Availability of Funds, published in the Federal Register today, January 5, 1998.

The PTFP, which is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), provides construction and planning grants to noncommercial organizations to assist in the purchase of telecommunications equipment to be used for educational or cultural purposes. Most of the PTFP's grants are awarded to public television and public radio stations. The program, however, also makes funds available to academic institutions to assist them in purchasing equipment to be used for the provision of distance learning.
 

The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration serves as the principal adviser to the President, Vice President and Secretary of Commerce on domestic and international communications and information issues and represents the Executive Branch before the Congress, other Federal agencies, foreign governments and international organizations.
 

PTFP application packages may be obtained from and completed applications submitted to: NTIA, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications, NTIA/DOC, Room H-4625, 14^th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. For further information, contact Mr. Dennis Connors, Director, Public Broadcasting Division, 202-482-5802 (tel.) or 202-482-2156 (fax). Information about the PTFP can also be obtained electronically via the Internet at http://www.ntia.doc.gov.