LINEVILLE, Alabama (August 19, 2010) – Following yesterday’s announcement of $111 million in broadband Internet access grants for rural Alabama, Gerald Dial, chairman of Governor Riley’s Broadband Advisory Committee (Connecting Alabama), which tasked with reviewing the proposals for the now-selected companies, released the following statement:

“Over two years ago I went to Governor Riley to push for broadband Internet access in rural Alabama. I knew the positive impact it would have on the economy and the opportunities it would provide for generations to come. Following that meeting, the Governor set up a committee to review proposals to accomplish this goal.

“Riley selected me as chairman of the committee and we began meeting to figure out how to make our plan a reality. Long story short, with the help of the other committee members, including Sen. Del Marsh, more rural Alabamians will have access to broadband Internet like urban and suburban folks have enjoyed for years.

“Once the projects are completed by the selected partners, we should see phenomenal small business growth. Providing individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses with cutting-edge tools and technology is exactly what we need right now to put Alabama back on track.”

Gerald Dial is a native of Delta, Alabama in Clay County. He is a businessman and a former teacher, coach and a veteran of the Alabama National Guard where he served for 38 years. Mr. Dial also served as executive director of the Alabama Rural Action Commission until resigning to seek the Senate seat for District 13. He is married to Faye Bonner Dial, a retired public school teacher and counselor. The Dials have a daughter, Melanie, and a son, Jason. Mr. and Mrs. Dial live in Lineville in Clay County.

Alabama State Senate District 13 consists of parts of Cherokee and Lee Counties and all of Cleburne, Clay, Randolph and Chambers Counties.