Rep. Schrier Celebrates Federal Investment to Expand Broadband Access
GRANITE FALLS, WA – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) visited Granite Falls Library to learn more about the facility’s digital navigator program and celebrate a recent federal investment to expand broadband access. Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Granite Falls Library will add 750 new loanable computers and hotspots to its current inventory. This technology will be available to the public and will help to bring reliable internet access to residents in the area.
“In today’s world, dependable broadband access is in many ways as important as electricity and water. Reliable internet is needed for everything from education to remote work, telehealth, and much more,” said Rep Schrier. “Investing in high-speed internet access is especially crucial for our rural communities, which have too often been left behind. I am proud to have consistently voted and advocated for expanding broadband access and am eager to see the impact that this federal investment will have on the community.”
Since entering Congress, Representative Schrier has been a strong supporter of expanding broadband access for rural Washingtonians. In 2021, Congresswoman Schrier voted for the American Rescue Plan Act, which brought more than $25 billion in investment towards affordable high-speed internet and connectivity. Additionally, Representative Schrier voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which has funded approximately $1.2 billion in federal grants to Washington state agencies.
The $1.5 million needed for this project came through American Rescue Plan funding and is part of the $5 million from ARPA funding that Snohomish County has allocated toward broadband efforts. Broadband access is a top concern for rural Washington and was mentioned directly by constituents during a previous town hall located in Granite Falls.
“At Sno-Isle Libraries, we are committed to connecting more residents to vital internet access. Your local library gives customers reliable Internet access so they can participate in job interviews and Telehealth appointments. The library provides free access to online tutoring, homework help and other experiences they value. Our libraries bring people together through digital and community connections. I appreciate Congresswoman Schrier’s work and commitment to bridge the digital divide facing far too many communities, including Granite Falls, and our collective goal in moving us forward toward greater inclusivity and accessibility,” said Lois Langer Thompson, executive director, Sno-Isle Libraries.
“Isn’t it time that rural broadband is considered a basic utility? As an educational system, we strive for equity. Our district has been successful in student laptop distribution and technology in the classrooms, but during the pandemic it was revealing how many students did not have internet access due to economic and/or geographic challenges. For us to prepare students for future success, we need to provide them today with resources, and to me, that includes broadband service,” said Dr. Josh Middleton, superintendent of Granite Falls School District.
“Many of the people in Granite Falls and the surrounding area often find themselves without internet that is consistent. In this day of instant communication and networking, it is critical that everyone has access to broadband that they can count on. People should not be at a disadvantage because they live in a rural area. Recognition of our situation, and investment by Snohomish County and the federal government will go a long way to giving us reliable internet. We appreciate Representative Kim Schrier's commitment to the people of Granite Falls with her support in this effort,” said Matt Hartman, mayor of Granite Falls.
“As we address the lack of broadband access in our community, a lot of attention is rightly paid to increasing infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, which is a vital goal,” said Snohomish County Executive David Somers. “However, other major barriers that exacerbate broadband inequities are lack of access to computers and the high price of internet services. We’re using our federal recovery dollars to make important progress in addressing these barriers, and I’m grateful to our partners at Sno-Isle Libraries and Congresswoman Schrier for their commitment to advancing digital equity.”