GALESBURG, Illinois—
The train's sound on Monday morning is a sign of pride in Galesburg. It represents history and heritage, exploration and enterprise. Now, there's creativity to take on the ultimate search engine."Speed is the key to potential opportunities," said Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza. " Google can make things happen."
That's why community leaders were decked out in Google's blue, red, yellow and green. Using a rail car backdrop, courting Google's plans to deliver high speed networks in test communities.
"I'm really optimistic about rural America because we're finding lower costs of living," said Carl Sandburg College President Tom Schmidt. "We're finding location no longer matters if technology is available."
Galesburg supporters are being asked to visit the website, www.googleingalesburg.com, to make an official request.
Just as the railroad energized Galesburg more than a century ago, the Google proposal is designed to help the community to reinvent itself. Davenport and Peoria are among other local cities competing for a piece of the project.
If Google rolls into Galesburg, it could boost everything from economic development to education. With internet speeds more than a hundred times the typical connection, it's a chance to compete strongly in a global marketplace while investing in the future.
"I thought it was definitely an interesting thing for us to try," said Thomas Mitchell, a junior at Galesburg High School. "If we don't try, then we don't get anything."
There's a group pose to drive home that point on YouTube. As trains keep rolling through, Galesburg could find a new vision. It's a connection between transportation and technology.
"We're known for being somewhat of a railroad community, which back in the day was the high speed connection," said Steve Gugliotta, a Galesburg city planner. "So it's a good correlation."
A high speed push to keep this town on track.
