INTERNET FUNDS AVAILABLE

PERRYVILLE -- Nearly all Americans have heard about the Internet, that vast computer network that can deliver information from around the world to a person's home.

But most Americans don't have access to the Internet. Many aren't educated about how it works and many more can't afford the hardware, software and telephone connections required.

The 1996 Missouri General Assembly voted to help more state residents get Internet access. They budgeted $6 million for Missouri Express, a project to bring Missourians on line.

Cities, counties, libraries and economic development agencies will be invited to apply for funds through Missouri Express. The money may be used to establish public Internet connections, which will access locally generated information about the community and access everything available on the World Wide Web.

Interested community leaders who want to learn more about the application process may attend a meeting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission offices in Perryville.

Commission executive director Thomas Tucker said public organizations need Internet access to function in today's world.

"In activities of any kind, access to data is very critical," he said. "If you want to attract industrial prospects, having the economic data available through the Internet is vital. Organizations with access don't have to warehouse a lot of paper."

He said Missouri Express plans to provide 15 modems per Internet center, which means people won't have to wait in line to get on the information superhighway.

The Regional Planning Commission mailed more than 200 letters to various agencies in the seven-county area it serves, inviting people to the meeting.

Cape Girardeau County is ahead of the game, providing two public Internet terminals at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. The terminals access Show-Me Net, a local computer network that also provides Internet access. Some local organizations, including the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau and St. Francis Medical Center, already have web pages on Show-Me Net.

Elizabeth Ader, Cape Girardeau librarian, said Show-Me Net is getting plenty of use at the library. She said she would like to get more access and hopes Missouri Express will provide funds for libraries like Cape Girardeau's.