9TH DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN RICK BOUCHER IS HAPPY TO SECURE FEDERAL GRANT MONEY TO BRING BROADBAND ACCESS IN SCOTT AND LEE COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA. THE 1.7 MILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL GRANT MONEY IS INTENDED TO BRING THE COMMUNITIES INTO THE 21ST CENTURY. ONE OF THE GRANTS WILL GO TO SCOTT COUNTY TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE AND THE OTHER WILL GO TO LENOWISCO INCORPORATED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF FIBER OPTIC NETWORKS IN THE YUMA AND BLACKWATER COMMUNITIES. BOUCHER SAID HAVING HIGH SPEED INTERNET IS ESSENTIAL NOW DAYS IN ORDER FOR RURAL AREAS TO THRIVE.