Oregon – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that Oregon will get over $2.2 million in federal money for broadband connectivity. This will help rural communities across the state. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program. Its goal is to help local groups get around technical and financial problems that are stopping them from building greater high-speed internet infrastructure in places that don’t have enough of it.
Senator Wyden highlighted how important it is for rural areas to have stable internet access right away. He pointed out how important connectivity has become for everything from job and education prospects to emergency notifications and virtual doctor appointments.
“It is more important now than ever to have reliable access to the internet, especially for rural Oregonians who depend on emergency updates for natural disasters, accessing telehealth options, student research and so much more,” said Wyden.
“But for too many communities in rural Oregon, it can be burdensome and expensive to even apply for the federal funding they need to get the job done. I applaud this federal award to provide resources and support for Oregonians building out broadband infrastructure in rural communities, and I am committed to fighting for even more resources to help get every Oregonian connected, no matter where they live.”
Senator Merkley echoed those sentiments, stressing that equal access to high-speed internet is essential for rural and Tribal communities to thrive.
“These federal investments will help boost the broadband access individuals, families, and businesses need to support stronger, more connected rural Oregon communities and economies,” he said.
The funding will be distributed to three key recipients working to bridge the digital divide:
- QualityLife Intergovernmental Agency will receive $240,000 to carry out a broadband feasibility analysis in Wasco County, design a sustainable business plan, and develop partnerships to support long-term internet infrastructure growth.
- Sequoia Consulting, LLC, operating as Rural Prosperity Partners, will be granted $1 million to support internet service provider readiness, reduce financial barriers, and facilitate partnerships to drive broadband deployment across Oregon.
- The Institute for Local Self-Reliance Inc. is allocated $966,000 to boost broadband infrastructure on Tribal Lands in Oregon and several other states. This funding will promote locally owned networks and provide crucial technical and financial assistance to Tribal communities.
Both senators have consistently attempted to make broadband access better across the state. Wyden was a big part of getting about $700 million for internet expansion in Oregon last year after pushing for proper FCC mapping. In 2024, he and Merkley announced a government loan of almost $3 million to help build high-speed internet in Clackamas County.
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This new round of funding is another step toward connecting all Oregonians to fast, cheap internet, which is becoming more and more important as an infrastructure resource.
