Oregon to Receive $9.9 Million in Funding to Increase Digital Inclusion Efforts
Digital equity and inclusion investments will reach all corners of the state, providing online safety and privacy training, including cybersecurity, as part of digital skills training conducted by selected partners. Initiatives will also encourage the adoption of low-cost internet service options and increase access to affordable computing devices and technical support.
Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has approved Oregon’s initial funding award of $9,947,586.17 under the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to implement the digital inclusion initiatives outlined in the State Digital Equity Plan.
Created and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. In 2022, the NTIA awarded $60 million from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program to develop digital equity plans for states and territories. In March 2024, the NTIA made over $800 million available to states and territories from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This program will allow states and territories to implement digital equity plans.
This is the first of three expected awards.
NTIA Press Release Biden-Harris Administration Approves and Recommends for Award Digital Equity Capacity Grant Applications Totaling More Than $100 Million
“This federal digital equity funding will establish the first-ever state digital equity program and ensure investments reach all corners of the state—from frontier and rural communities to urban centers,” said Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon. “These investments will support the implementation of our digital inclusion initiatives that prioritize Oregonians with low-income, elders, veterans, people with disabilities, people who have a language barrier, people who are justice impacted, and people who live in rural areas with the digital technologies and skills to thrive in modern society.”
“Our goal is to use the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to create long-lasting and meaningful change,” Nick Batz, Director of the Oregon Broadband Office, explained. “We will partner with state agencies with the capacity, experience, and expertise to deliver digital equity services to people statewide. Streamlined collaboration with state agencies will ensure efficient use and swift deployment of funds—directing resources where they are most needed.”
The State of Oregon Digital Equity Plan was approved by the NTIA earlier this year. The state allocation was announced with the release of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity on March 8, 2024.
Read the State of Oregon Digital Equity Plan by visiting the Digital Equity Program webpage.
For more information about the Oregon Broadband Office, visit www.broadband.oregon.gov.
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