Pallone Announces Schools and Libraries in New Jersey Will Receive $33.4 Million from First Round of Funding from FCC's Emergency Connectivity Fund Program

Press Release

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that schools and libraries in New Jersey will receive $33.4 million from the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF). Schools and libraries in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District will receive over $5.3 million. The ECF provides funding to help students, teachers, and library patrons get the tools they need to connect to the Internet from home. The $7.17 billion program was authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and was added to the package by Pallone's Energy and Commerce Committee. President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law in March.

This is the first round of funding from the program's application period that Pallone announced in June. The FCC will continue to process applications on a rolling basis. A second application period opens September 28. More information is available here.

"I'm pleased to see that funding from the American Rescue Plan is coming to New Jersey to help students connect to the virtual classroom. I authorized the Emergency Connectivity Fund because this program will help get broadband service and devices into the hands of the students, teachers, and library patrons who need them," Pallone said. "I strongly encourage schools and libraries in New Jersey whose students or patrons may be struggling to access remote learning to see if they qualify for this program and apply during the second application period. Virtual learning will remain a crucial tool for parents and teachers alike long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. I will continue to work to ensure that access to broadband and technology is not a barrier to learning for any student."

Schools and libraries in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District will receive $5,325,939.85, including:

Lady of Mt Carmel School in Asbury Park: $4,949.85

Lake Nelson Adventist Academy in Piscataway: $100,470

Long Branch School District: $498,720

Oceanport Board of Education: $38,217

Metuchen School District: $163,038.48

Piscataway Township School District: $470,400

Old Bridge Township School District: $2,081,305.20

Sayreville Board of Education: $655,933.15

New Brunswick School District: $1,312,907.50

Source