Reis Sponsors Rural Technology Expansion

May 16 2007

Springfield….State Rep. David Reis (R – Ste. Marie) recently signed on as the Chief Sponsor to legislation that would create the Rural Technology Development Zone Act. Having passed the Senate with no opposition, SB 309 would expand wireless communication and Internet access in defined rural technology development zones in Illinois.

The law would allow the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to designate 3 rural areas in the State as rural technology development zones. “The program being proposed here is designed to aid rural areas that are currently underserved in regards to technology development,” Reis said. Rural Illinois has continuously lagged behind more highly populated areas of the state in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure that would improve internet and wireless communications.

The legislation also contains language that would provide a tax credit to wireless carriers and Internet providers for investments in technology infrastructure that are required to provide wireless telecommunications and Internet access in rural technology development zones. “The tax credit element of the Rural Technology Development Zone Act is an exciting component of this bill,” Reis said.

“What we really want to do is encourage companies as much as we can to invest in technology infrastructure in rural Illinois, and I believe that the tax credit offered here is a great incentive to help accomplish that goal. Throughout my district and in many parts of rural Illinois, individuals and businesses stand to benefit greatly from improved access to cellular service and Internet technology.” said Reis.