The U.S. Conference of Mayors recognized Verizon today for creating an Internet access program that enables more than 13,000 Elizabeth, N.J., residents to access the Web.

At a Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, Verizon was praised for its partnership with the city of Elizabeth. Under a program called Innovative Access -- Expanding Opportunities and Creating Effective Services, Verizon provided more than $200,000 in computer equipment and deeply discounted Internet access rates for the city's libraries. The city, in turn, is making Internet access available to tens of thousands of residents, including more than 13,000 who are participating in the Innovative Access program at the libraries.

The Elizabeth Main Public Library installed 200 computer stations throughout the building. All are networked through the Innovative Access program.

The Innovative Access program uses Verizon's Access New Jersey network, which connects with points around the state and around the world. Over the past several years, Verizon has invested more than $150 million in the program. The initiative has been used in multiple ways including connecting families in New Jersey with military members stationed abroad, as well as connecting researchers in the Panamanian rain forest with numerous classrooms in New Jersey.