Biden-Harris Administration Approves and Recommends for Award Washington's Digital Equity Capacity Grant Application for More Than $15.9 Million

WASHINGTON - The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from Washington, allowing the state to request access to more than $15.9 million to implement its Digital Equity Plan. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This funding is part of the "Internet for All" initiative, a key component of President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda. For a variety of reasons, many Americans struggle to use the Internet connection available to them-for example, some lack the skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online; others cannot afford a computer or tablet at home.

Washington will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which outlines how the state will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

"Quality, affordable high-speed Internet allows families and businesses to thrive in our modern economy. Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is connecting everyone in Washington and across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet and providing the resources they need to make the most of that Internet connection," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "We look forward to working with Washington to ensure residents across the state have the tools and skills to take advantage of quality, affordable high-speed Internet - whether it's for work, education, health care, or any other essential service."

This approval is from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made available more than $800 million for states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Native Entities to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans. These plans were developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Awards of funding will require additional review and approval of State-submitted documentation.

"For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. Washington now can request access to the funds to put its digital equity plan into action," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "The Biden-Harris Administration's Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills."

"This funding represents a major step toward closing the digital divide in Washington state-making sure that everyone, no matter where they live, can make the most of a high-speed Internet connection to work, study, get health care, and connect with their loved ones," said Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "I wrote the Digital Equity Act before the pandemic because it was clear even then that high-speed Internet access is no longer a luxury, but a necessity-and this has only become more true in the years since. Today's announcement means Washington state will be able to begin implementing its comprehensive digital equity plan-bringing broadband services and digital skills to everyone and eliminating barriers that prevent people from affording and affording and taking advantage of a reliable Internet connection."

"Washington has committed to make 'Internet for all' possible and I'm grateful these funds will continue those efforts," said Governor Jay Inslee. "We're one of the best-connected states as far as broadband goes but still have more than 200,000 households without broadband access. We'll continue to scale up our efforts until that need is met along with all the opportunities it brings."

Washington will use the $15,983,29 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:

• Development of a train-the-trainer certificate program for digital inclusion programs, with a peer-to-peer model to ensure that education is provided in a culturally relevant and accessible manner for all Covered Populations;
• Conducting outreach and engagement, providing in-person digital skills trainings and tools and educational resources related to online privacy, and cybersecurity, and digital literacy;
• Partnering with Internet service providers (ISPs) to promote cybersecurity education.

Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future. NTIA will announce State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program awards from this first round of funding on a rolling basis.

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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.