Additional Funds Look To Connect Oregonians

Money is coming from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand broadband access in Oregon.  Nick Batz, Director of the Oregon Broadband Office, said there are more proposals than the money will cover.

"We received 63 applications totaling $440 million.  So, highly competitive, over-subscribed grant program for the $157 million dollars that was available."

Batz noted 16 projects in 17 counties will share $133 million.

"The feds allowed for other technologies, but all 16 of the awards are for fiber optic programs.  Which is great because fiber is the most future-proof technology that is readily available to us."

The companies expanding their networks now have to decide if they want to accept the money, which in some cases, is less than they asked for.  The work needs to be completed and the systems in operation by the end of 2026.

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