U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, who pushed for broadband funding in Washington schools. (Screenshot from murray.senate.gov)

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, who pushed for broadband funding in Washington schools. (Screenshot from murray.senate.gov)

American Rescue Plan Act funding approved for broadband investments in WA schools

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray pushed for the funding, which will benefit several King County school districts.

On Jan. 21, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), announced more than $88 million in American Rescue Plan broadband investments for Washington state schools and libraries.

The funding comes via the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund, which commits federal funds to support schools and libraries in providing digital tools and services to communities harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every child deserves the very best education we can offer them, but that’s not possible without access to high-speed internet,” said Murray in a written statement. “That’s why I fought so hard for this money in the American Rescue Plan, and it’s great to see it being put to good use. With more help on the way from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I am determined to make sure every student in Washington state can get online and get the education they deserve.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Murray helped pass, will also provide at least $100 million for broadband deployment in Washington state to help families access reliable, high-speed internet, with more federal dollars available through grant funding.

An estimated 19% of people in Washington state are eligible for the new Affordable Connectivity Program established under the legislation, which provides up to $30 per month in discounted internet service and a one-time $100 discount on internet-connected devices.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also includes Murray’s Digital Equity Act, which is aimed at helping close the “digital divide” by funding activities that seek to provide individuals and communities with the skills, supports, and technologies necessary to take full advantage of a broadband internet connection when they have one.

Through the Emergency Connectivity Fund, students in Washington state who have experienced difficulty getting online will now have greater resources available to ensure they can access homework online and receive a high-quality education. Additional information on the Emergency Connectivity Fund program is available at: emergencyconnectivityfund.org.

School districts in King County that are slated to receive broadband funding include:

Lake Washington School District in Redmond with $2,466,240 of total obligated funding.

Northshore School District in Bothell with $1,353,951 in total obligated funding.

Issaquah School District with $1,020,000 in total obligated funding.

Auburn School District with $850,902 in total obligated funding.

Kent School District with $954,563 in total obligated funding.

Renton School District with $603,851 in total obligated funding.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
SeaTac man, 21, fatally shot in vehicle in Kent on West Hill

Someone ran up and fired multiple shots into vehicle Nov. 21 at Veterans Drive and Military Road

Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, in Covington, remained without power Thursday morning, Nov. 21, according to Puget Sound Energy. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Kent schools remain closed due to windstorm damage, power outages

Second consecutive day of closures Thursday, Nov. 21 across the Kent School District

t
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire calls windstorm ‘one for the ages’

Agency responds to 308 calls in 12-hour period, including 245 for storm-related issues

Crews clear trees from State Route 18, which the Washington State Patrol closed in both directions Wednesday, Nov. 20, from Issaquah Hobart to I-90 over Tiger Mountain because of fallen trees during a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Washington State Patrol
Windstorm closes Kent schools, roads due to fallen trees

Many without power in areas of Kent and beyond

t
“Prolific” vehicular theft suspect arrested in Renton

Kent man holds 13 prior convictions and 41 arrests.

tt
Green Kent volunteer program wraps up season at city park

Volunteers remove invasive species, plant native trees and shrubs at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park

t
Copper-wire thieves damage Kent Senior Center roof refrigeration unit

Facility temporarily loses commercial kitchen refrigerator but staff, community keep meals going

t
16-year-old girl dies in Covington single-car crash

Teen was driving when car crashed into a tree Nov. 15 along SE 256th Street just east of Kent

t
Kent Police Blotter: Oct. 24-Nov. 7

Incidents include carjacking, juvenile fight, stolen vehicle pursuit

t
State Patrol catches a pair of motorcycles going over 100 mph on I-5

See a video of their arrest. Agency uses air surveillance to pursue from Federal Way to Renton

Photos by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing
Official ribbon cutting for the Kent Valley Bezos Academy, which is still accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year.
Kent Valley Bezos Academy offers student-driven preschool experience

New school offers free enrollment to children of income-eligible families