Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that Washington state schools and libraries can apply for additional American Rescue Plan funding to increase broadband services now through October 13.

Washington applied for more than $101 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund during the first application period this summer, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expects to grant up to the full request pending a final review of those applications. Due to high interest in the program and additional funding still available, the FCC opened a second application filing window for Washington state to request additional funds now through October 13.

Funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund was made possible by the American Rescue Plan that DelBene helped pass earlier this year.

“The amount of interest that the Emergency Connectivity Fund received this summer speaks to the real need to expand broadband across our state especially in rural communities,” said DelBene. “When so much of our lives depend on having a reliable Internet connection, it is critical that we continue to bridge gaps in broadband access. I strongly encourage local schools and libraries to take advantage of this funding to support our students and communities as we build back better.”

Click here to learn more about the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund. Eligible schools and libraries can apply here.