OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced a $15.9 funding boost from the federal government to implement a digital equity plan on Monday.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration funding will allow the state to implement a strategy for widening broadband access and digital literacy.
The grant comes less than two months after Governor Jay Inslee’s
Wheeler celebrated the new funding opportunity and affirmed his office’s goal of decreasing digital inequality across the Evergreen State.
“This is an important milestone for our state. Bridging the digital divide isn’t just about technology, but unlocking opportunities for all,” Wheeler said.
The federally approved digital equity plan highlights low income, disabled and indigenous populations as areas for improvement in Washington’s current digital access landscape.
According to the Department of Commerce, 82 percent of white Washingtonians have broadband subscriptions, compared to just 74 percent of American Indians and 79 of African Americans.
The digital equity plan highlights the need for government agencies to engage with community leaders directly to overcome digital access barriers.
Federal funding for the project comes from a larger $2.75 billion national digital equity grant program which the Biden Administration has touted as an important component of the president’s larger infrastructural agenda.
