In 2010 the State of Maryland announced that it would launch an ultra-high speed broadband network to connect 4,200 square miles of cities, towns, and anchor institutions throughout Central Maryland.  The One Maryland Broadband project is a $115 million stimulus-funded network  being lead by Howard County, who released the first RFP for the project yesterday.  Expected to be completed in August of 2013,  Howard County is looking for a list of small and minority owned businesses to hire as project coordinators. Through the recruitment of small businesses, the state hopes to put grant money directly into creating jobs for these sectors of the economy.  Howard County Executive and MACo President Ken Ulman stated,

“One of the most invaluable aspects of the ICBN project is the project’s commitment to creating jobs and opening up economic development opportunities where none previously existed.”