Cantwell Announces $7.8 Million Emergency Connectivity Funds for WA Schools and Libraries to Support Remote Learning

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that Washington state schools, school districts, and libraries have received a total of over $96 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program to reimburse them for the cost of the tools and services needed for remote learning. This announcement follows the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) release of the latest round of funding for the ECF program. Cantwell secured the funding as part of the American Rescue Plan which was signed into law in March 2021. Washington state has now been awarded $96 million in total funding after receiving $28.8 million in the 1st round of funding, $26.2 million in the 2nd round, $5.9 million in the 3rd round, $3.3 million in the 4th round of funding, $7.2 million in the 5th round, $13.5 million in the 6th round, $3.2 million in the 7th round, and $7.8 million in the latest round.

The Emergency Connectivity Fund is a $7.17 billion program to help schools and libraries support remote learning. Across the nation, over $240 million was awarded in the latest round of funding, which brings the total program commitments to over $4.4 billion. The funding will help cover the cost of certain eligible equipment and services for use by students, teachers, and library patrons who lack access to broadband or devices like laptops, tablets, and computers during the pandemic.

Source