WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, announced that five tribes in the State of Washington have been awarded federal grants totaling $32.3 million through the Department of Commerce’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP). The Washington state Department of Commerce also received a $15.9 million grant from the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to advance key digital equity initiatives to increase consumer privacy, cybersecurity, and digital literacy to help protect Washingtonians online.
The State of Washington will receive $15,983,291: to advance Washington’s Digital Equity Plan to promote digital literacy by developing advanced cybersecurity training that is designed to be accessible for “Covered Populations” meaning, aging individuals, veterans, low-income households, individuals with disabilities, rural communities, incarcerated individuals, and English learners. Funding will go towards training certificate programs, outreach and engagement, in-person digital tools training, and educational resources.
“With this funding, the State of Washington will have the tools to overcome the digital divide and promote good cyber hygiene. This is timely as we have seen how bad actors can take advantage of security vulnerabilities online,” said Sen. Cantwell. “A statewide digital and cybersecurity literacy program will help promote the adoption of technology and ensure that Washingtonians are protected from online threats.”
Tulalip Tribes of Washington will receive $10,491,390: This infrastructure deployment project will provide access to high-speed internet to approximately 650 households through via fiber to the premise across and near the Tulalip Tribe of Washington.? ?
“This project will bring quality, high-speed internet to 650 homes across the Tulalip Tribes’ land,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This investment is a huge step forward in connecting tribal communities to telehealth services, online education, and career opportunities.”
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community will receive $8,463,607: This infrastructure deployment project will provide access to high-speed internet to approximately 100 households via fiber to the premise across the Swinomish Indian Tribe’s Tribal lands.
“With this funding the Swinomish Indian Tribe will continue to support its investments in high-speed broadband service for households, tribally owned businesses, and community institutions,” said Sen. Cantwell.
Makah Indian Tribe will receive $6,166,003: This infrastructure deployment project will provide access to high-speed internet to approximately 160 households through via fiber to the premise across the Makah Indian Tribe. ?
“160 households on Makah tribal lands will soon be connected to high-quality, high-speed internet,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This funding is critical to bring telehealth and other online services to remote areas in Neah Bay.”
Lower Elwha Tribal Community will receive $6,052,974: This infrastructure deployment project will provide access to high-speed internet to approximately 250 households through via fiber to the premise and fixed wireless technologies across and near the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.? ?
“Having high-speed internet at home has become a necessity to fully participate in education, access health services, and employment opportunities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This investment will bring quality broadband to 250 homes on the Lower Elwha Tribes land on the Olympic Peninsula.”
Spokane Tribe will receive $1,158,920: This project aims to provide digital literacy and technology equity opportunities for Spokane Tribe of Indians (STOI) members.
“This project will provide digital literacy and technology equity opportunities for the Spokane Tribe of Indians,” said Sen. Cantwell. “As more and more of our lives rely on the internet it is important to invest not only in infrastructure but in the education and tools needed to access the digital economy.”
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is a nearly $3 billion grant program and part of the Biden Administration’s Internet for All Initiative. This program is funded through $980 million made available from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and $2 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which Cantwell helped author. Grants are directed to tribal governments to be used for broadband deployment on tribal lands, as well as for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion.
The Digital Equity Act, created by the Cantwell-supported Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. This funding allows states and territories to begin implementation of their digital equity plans and allows native entities to create digital equity plans and projects.
Throughout her time in the Senate, Sen. Cantwell has been a champion for increasing access to broadband connectivity. Sen. Cantwell helped secure $65 billion in the BIL to increase broadband access in rural and underserved communities, including $2 billion for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.
So far, more than $100 million has been awarded to tribes in the State of Washington from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. A map of all Washington state award recipients can be found here.
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