Overland Park, KS - Overland Park leaders are pursuing an opportunity to work with technology giant Google on a high-speed Internet network for the community.

"Google is extending an opportunity to cities nationwide to submit a ‘Request For Information' outlining current network capabilities and community support," said Overland Park Director of Information Technology Director Vicki Irey.

"Overland Park is well-positioned to partner with Google for its ultra-high-speed broadband networks," Irey added. "Over 93 percent of our residents have access to a computer, and 98 percent of those have access to the Internet."

Since mid-February, Overland Park has received more than 200 emails and calls from residents and business owners pushing for Overland Park's involvement or supporting the city's efforts.

"I bet right after Google made its announcement, 10 people called me asking: ‘Mayor, are we going to do this?' I told them yes," Mayor Carl Gerlach said.

Ward 6 Councilmember Dan Stock has sent an email newsletter to residents of his homes association asking for comments. Residents have responded they were highly in favor of the effort.

Irey is directing a team of city employees and Overland Park Chamber of Commerce employees to gather relevant information regarding the application from Google.

Further, local business owners and operators, and residents are encouraged to sign on in support of the city's effort at http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/options.

Google is evaluating many criteria including current infrastructure; fiber optics, which the city has and owns; and gauging the public's interest.

"This is an extremely important and valuable opportunity for Overland Park. We are a high tech job center with companies who, on a daily basis, are Involved with international and national business dealings that rely extensively on Internet service.

"We have a highly educated work force in Overland Park. The difference of a high-speed connection may improve business interaction with customers and other businesses; allow for sharing of vital health information between providers and patients; the sharing of educational material and instruction between teachers and students, and improve daily lives of residents.

"Just imagine more capacity and faster service," said Irey.

Overland Park owns a fiber optic network and is home to noted business campuses like Corporate Woods and South Creek.

For more information, call Irey at 913/895-6000, or send an email to highspeedgoogle@opkansas.org.

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Contact: Mayor Carl Gerlach, 913-895-6104
Ward Six Councilmember Dan Stock, 913-895-6105
Vicki Irey, 913-895-6061