The ARRA (Stimulus Bill) has a number of provisions including considerable funding for transportation and infrastructure all designed to create jobs and provide a sound foundation for an energy independent future. The upcoming Broadband Conduit Act should insure a sound “Dig Once” approach to transportation and infrastructure projects. However we all know that $7.2 Billion dollars will not build out the nations broadband infrastructure.
Thinking “Smart” as in Smart-Grid Vermont and Florida are approaching the problem by working together with Power Companies and Service Providers to build out the Nations “Middle Mile” to communities, cities, and towns across America. This Energy/Broadband Strategy first laid out by John Reynolds and Mark Hewitt is fast becoming accepted as a wise use of limited resources and creates jobs and economic stimulus at a rapid pace.
One of the first successful implementation of this strategy will be the Vermont Telecom Authority – first created as a result of Verizon withdrawing from the state of Vermont as a major service provider. 
References: DOE “The Smart Grid: An Introduction”
The Electric Vision – Next 100 Years