18A:72A-60 Findings, declarations relative to higher education technology infrastructure.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. New Jersey's public and independent colleges and universities contribute substantially to the local, State, and national economies by developing the workforce, advancing knowledge through research and scholarship, and serving as a repository for information.

b. An integrated technology infrastructure is increasingly critical to teaching, research, workforce training, and the effectiveness and efficiency of New Jersey's higher education system.

c. Up-to-date telecommunications and information technology, including connectivity within and among institutions and with libraries and elementary and secondary schools, will enable students and faculty to access information and educational opportunities efficiently and effectively and will increase opportunities for institutions to collaborate and share resources.

d. Consortial arrangements and distance learning offer significant potential to reduce costs and increase access, but these new modes of delivery cannot succeed without a technology infrastructure which insures compatibility and connectivity.

e. Colleges and universities must address substantial, yet varying, technological needs in order to participate fully in a comprehensive, current telecommunications network. To strengthen New Jersey's competitiveness and enhance the State's higher education system in a global and highly technological economy, it is essential to establish a dedicated source of funding to support investment by New Jersey's public and independent higher education institutions in technology infrastructure.

L.1997,c.238,s.2.