Centralia, Chehalis, Toledo Schools to Benefit From More Than $2.1 Million in ARPA Funding for Digital Tools
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Jan. 24—Public school districts in Centralia, Chehalis and Toledo will benefit from more than $2.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that will be allocated to the Federal Communication Commission's Emergency Connectivity Fund to benefit schools and libraries with digital tools.
According to a news release from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray's office, D-Wash., who chairs the Senate Education Committee, more than 200 schools in Washington state will benefit from $88 million invested through this program.
"This funding will help make sure students in every part of Washington state will have the tools they need to learn. Every child deserves the very best education we can offer them, but that's not possible without access to high-speed internet —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," Murray said in a statement.
"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," she continued.
Through this investment, more than $1.2 million will go to the Centralia School District, $644,000 will go to the Chehalis School District and $289,000 will go to the Toledo School District.
The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, commonly known as the bipartisan infrastructure law — passed late last year — is expected to funnel $100 million for broadband deployment in Washington state to help families access reliable, high-speed internet, Murray's office says.
The infrastructure law also includes Senator Murray's Digital Equity Act, which her office says will help "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."
More information on the FCC's Emergency Connectivity Fund is available online at www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org.
