Pallone Announces Schools and Libraries in New Jersey Will Receive $20.9 Million from Second 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 $20.9 million from the second round of funding from the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF). Schools and libraries in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District will receive a total of $184,337.85. This marks the second round of approved funding from the program's first application period that Pallone announced in June. Last month, Pallone announced that New Jersey received $33.4 million in the first round of funding, which included over $5.3 million for Pallone's district.
The ECF provides funding to help students, teachers, and library patrons get the tools they need to connect to the Internet from home -- crucial resources as families continue to rely on virtual classrooms and high-speed Internet to learn. Funding can be used to purchase modems, devices like laptops and tablets, broadband service, and more. The $7.17 billion ECF program was spearheaded by Pallone's Energy and Commerce Committee and authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law in March.
"I'm pleased that schools and libraries in New Jersey are continuing to receive critical funding from the American Rescue Plan that will help build on our progress toward ensuring every student and teacher can stay connected to their classroom. I authored 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. "This funding, like the awards approved last month, will help students with virtual learning, which will remain a crucial tool long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. This funding is a critical investment in the future of young people in our state, and 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 $184,337.85, including:
St. Francis Cathedral School: $40,000
Metuchen School District: $115,217.33
Long Branch Public Library System: $16,920.72
Asbury Park Public Library: $12,199.80
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