WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: State Allocations for $42.45 Billion High-Speed Internet Grant Program

---

“Connecting every Alaskan to high-speed Internet at an affordable price is a top priority for my Administration.

“Having lived and worked in rural Alaska, I know firsthand the transformative opportunities broadband access can bring to our most remote communities."

“This is a great day for the United States and a great day for American Samoa. Rural and remote communities like American Samoa are at a disadvantage when it comes to participating in our global economy and community. These investments into high speed internet will help close the digital divide and get our people closer to competing on equal footing. Education, healthcare, job creation, and economic opportunities all received a big boost today. We have a great deal of work ahead of us, but this is a great step in the right direction.”

Jared Huffman, U.S. Representative, CA-02

“Access to high-speed broadband isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. But there is still a staggering digital divide between rural and urban America – a problem my district is all too familiar with.

“Closing the digital divide has been a priority since my first days in Congress, and I continued that advocacy when we developed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I’m glad to see California getting its share of this this life-changing funding to expand broadband infrastructure that is essential to economic development, education, public safety, and quality of life.”

Tony Cárdenas, U.S. Representative, CA-29

“Everyone needs access to reliable, high-speed Internet. 

“Most of us can’t imagine life without it, but too many Americans lack the Internet access they need for everything from education to staying in touch with family across the country.  

“The nearly $2 billion investment from the Biden-Harris Administration and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will help California realize our goal of Internet for All.”

Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator, CO

“Millions of Americans–especially those in rural areas, communities of color, and low-income neighborhoods–have been left behind as everyday life moves online. That’s why I introduced my bipartisan BRIDGE Act, which formed the basis for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s BEAD program. Now, this program’s historic funding offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the digital divide and connect every family, farm, and small business to the high-speed Internet they need to thrive.”

John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator, CO

“Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re connecting every household to affordable, high-speed Internet so Coloradans can access telehealth services, virtual classes, run their small businesses, and so much more.”

Jared Polis, Governor, CO

“This exciting federal support builds upon our work to make sure Coloradans can access high-speed, reliable Internet. Here in Colorado, we continue to make bold progress towards our goal of connecting 99% of Colorado households to affordable, high-speed broadband by 2027 and we welcome the needed federal support to help connect more Coloradans."

“Today’s announcement by the Biden administration that Connecticut will receive $144 million to expand broadband deployment is welcome news to the residents and businesses of our state. We know that fast, reliable internet connectivity is a necessity in our increasingly digital world. Thanks to President Biden and Connecticut’s amazing Congressional delegation, this funding will help us connect unserved and underserved residents and small businesses in our state, leveling the playing field as we work toward our goal of universal access to one gigabit per second download speeds and 100 megabits per second upload speeds that are becoming the standard of the industry.”

Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative, CT-02

“High-speed Internet is a vital resource for every household and small business. It connects people to education, careers, commerce, loved ones, and so much more.” 

“Still, in 2023, hundreds of thousands of people and tens of thousands of small businesses in Connecticut don’t have access to reliable, affordable broadband – and the issue is particularly acute in many of the rural communities I represent in Congress. This $144 million federal investment, which comes straight from the Infrastructure Law that Congress passed in 2021, will help fill those gaps in broadband access and set eastern Connecticut communities up to thrive in the 21st century.”

Jahana Hayes, U.S. Representative, CT-05

“Every person in the United States deserves access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is helping to make this a reality in my district and across the nation, that is a fact. Broadband Internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

“Connecticut will receive almost $145 million through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. I am confident this will strengthen our community and boost our economy by providing increased access to online educational resources, jobs, and skill-building opportunities.”

“Once we reach the 6,000 addresses currently under way, there will still be nearly 15,000 Delaware homes and businesses – mostly in the rural areas of our state – that either have no access to Internet or access below useable levels. Those 15,000 homes and businesses are the ones that will be helped by this $107 million BEAD investment.

“We are aiming to be the first state in the country with broadband access for every resident, as our President works to connect every home in the country to high-speed Internet eventually. I want to thank the federal delegation and the Biden Administration for their advocacy for these funds.”

“In today's digital age, high-speed internet shouldn't be a privilege only accessible to a select group of Americans.

“Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, billions of dollars in funding are now headed to Florida, helping communities across our state get online.”

“The pandemic exacerbated the digital divide in urban and rural communities across Illinois and the entire nation. Investing in reliable, high-speed Internet equips our residents and businesses with the tools needed to succeed in today’s economy while improving their overall quality of life.
 
“This historic funding announcement is an investment in the effort to close the digital divide.”

JB Pritzker, Governor, IL

“In today’s world, Internet access is another word for opportunity—opportunity for families to find good paying jobs, to obtain quality telehealth, to connect with family and friends, and so much more.

“Here in the Land of Lincoln, we’re modernizing our broadband infrastructure to make sure that every Illinoisan—from the high school student completing their homework to the elder searching for holistic support services—has access to the Internet. And now, thanks to the Biden Administration’s ‘Investing in America’ agenda, Illinois will receive $1 billion in federal funding to further advance our mission—providing affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet in every corner of our state.”

“This grant funding is historic in scale, and it will be historic in impact.” 

“With this unprecedented Federal investment – the largest we have ever received – the Maine Connectivity Authority can take huge strides in bringing high-speed Internet to more Maine people and in fulfilling my promise to make an Internet connection available to everyone in Maine who wants one. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for this award and the Maine Congressional Delegation for their support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made this funding possible.”

“This funding is critical to connecting every Marylander and to ensuring that all residents have access to the Internet so they can receive important information and participate in the economy.

“We are grateful to our federal partners, and for the leadership that the Biden Administration and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are showing to close the digital divide.”

Kwasi Mfume, U.S. Representative, MD-07

“The digital divide is real and debilitating to the communities we are all very familiar with. I am committed to marshaling every available resource in the fight to bring digital equity to the people who have gone without for too long. That’s why I work so hard for these federal funds.”

“I applaud the Biden administration for this major investment in the effort to close the digital divide in Massachusetts and across the country, as we recognize the indispensability of broadband to communicate, work, learn, and participate in our democracy.” 

“This more than $140 million in funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bring high-speed, reliable Internet access to rural and underserved communities in every corner of our Commonwealth so that every family can be connected.”

Maura T. Healey, Governor, MA

“We are grateful to President Biden, Secretary Raimondo, and our entire congressional delegation for their leadership on this critical work to expand digital equity across the country. With these funds, Massachusetts will build on ongoing work to ensure that our residents can access the affordable and reliable broadband service they need to work, learn, access healthcare resources, and connect with loved ones.”

Seth Moulton, U.S. Representative, MA-06

“Access to high-speed, reliable Internet is essential for both education and business in the 21st century. Thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden Administration has demonstrated its commitment to bridging the digital divide by designating over $147 million to expand broadband access across Massachusetts. 

“This substantial investment will connect thousands of families in the Commonwealth to accessible, high-speed Internet for the first time. I’m thrilled to see that Congress' bipartisan approach under President Biden is delivering real progress for the people of the Sixth District”

“Reliable, affordable high-speed Internet is critical for all Michiganders, including in unserved and underserved communities. 

‘I’m pleased to help deliver this game-changing federal investment in high-speed Internet to our state. This will make a big difference for families, workers, students and small businesses, including to those who currently lack access, and is important to economic opportunity and competitiveness.”

“Today, we have won a game-changing investment to expand access to reliable, affordable high-speed Internet to 210,000 more homes across Michigan.

“We are focused on helping anyone ‘Make it in Michigan,’ with a comprehensive view on economic development that wins projects, invests in people, and revitalizes places. Today’s win will expand economic opportunity for Michiganders and build on the over $700 million in high-speed Internet federal funding we have leveraged and $249 million we invested with the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan last year. Let’s keep working together to connect more families and small businesses to fast, reliable high-speed Internet that meets their needs, lowers their costs, and grows our economy.”   

“I was the only Congressman from Mississippi in the House of Representatives to cast a ballot in favor of the infrastructure spending package. I am proud to have taken a stand for the people of my state and to have been an advocate for responsible investment in our nation's future. Broadband access is essential for our country's progress, and this spending package is going to get us off the bottom and bring us forward into an era of greater technological advancement. I will keep working hard for the constituents of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi to ensure that they have access to the essential high-speed broadband infrastructure.”

“Broadband access is essential for Nevada’s economy and our communities. I’m glad to see President Biden prioritize closing the digital divide across the country and I’ll continue fighting to ensure Nevadans have access to high-speed Internet in every corner of the state.”

“When we expand access to high-speed broadband, we expand access to economic opportunities and create new ways for Granite Staters to thrive. I am thrilled to see this significant funding heading to New Hampshire to strengthen our broadband infrastructure and connect more families, students, small businesses, and communities with affordable, quality Internet access.”

“The Biden Administration’s considerable investment in broadband demonstrates our shared understanding that critical infrastructure includes not just the roads and bridges that connect our communities, but the high-speed Internet that connects our residents to opportunity and each other.

“Expanding access to affordable and reliable broadband means expanding access to the critical services and family-sustaining jobs upon which our community members depend. Through initiatives like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development Program and in partnership with the Biden Administration, New Jersey is ensuring that no one – regardless of their zip code – gets left behind as we continue to build a stronger and more inclusive economy.”

“From roads and bridges to replacing lead pipes and expanding high-speed internet to every household, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to live up to its name and deliver for South Jersey.

“This investment will expand access to affordable, reliable broadband internet in New Jersey and across the country. I’m proud to have supported this legislation, and I thank President Biden for his leadership to close the digital gap for working families and students, create jobs, and provide pathways to the middle class.”

“This transformative investment in New York's ConnectALL program will be a gamechanger in advancing our statewide strategy to make affordable, high-speed Internet available to all. 

“In today's economy, reliable broadband access is an absolute necessity, and I thank the Biden administration, Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and New York's congressional delegation for continuing to prioritize critical infrastructure needs and for supporting our mission to expand broadband to every corner of our state."

“State and federal partnerships are critical to helping us close the digital divide and we are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for this historic investment to expand high-speed Internet access in North Carolina.

“Through this program, we will continue to make tremendous progress in making sure every household and business in our state is connected.”

Valerie Foushee, U.S. Representative, NC-04

“In an increasingly online world, equitable access to reliable high-speed Internet is essential for work, school, and everyday life. 

“Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this transformative investment will bolster our nation’s broadband infrastructure, help bridge the digital divide, and increase connectivity for North Carolinians across the state.”

Chuck Edwards, U.S. Representative, NC-11

“High-Speed broadband access across our state is critical for North Dakotans. This allocation of $130 million from NTIA will provide our state with improved access to telehealth services, learning pathways for students, and e-commerce opportunities for local business.”

“These funds present a new opportunity to provide a high level of access and opportunity to several of our more rural areas.”

“Broadband access is critical to strengthening the economy, improving access to health care, supporting education, and more. 

“Enhancing broadband connectivity promotes equity by closing gaps for people of color and rural communities who have been underserved for decades. Last Congress, I helped address this need by supporting robust investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I’m grateful for this historic $689 million investment in Oregon’s future, and look forward to continuing to expand access to broadband across all of Oregon.”

Andrea Salinas, U.S. Representative, OR-06

“It’s hard to fathom, and simply unacceptable, that tens of thousands of Oregonians live without access to high-speed Internet, today in 2023.

“The lack of reliable broadband in rural communities is a serious problem with negative ramifications across all facets of life, so I’m glad the Biden Administration is awarding more than $700 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance Oregon’s broadband equity, access, and deployment. These funds will help us close the digital divide, and I look forward to seeing them put to use in Oregon’s Sixth District, and across our rural communities.”

“By expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet to every Pennsylvanian, we can create real opportunities for our students, our businesses, and our communities to learn, grow, and thrive. Thanks to this historic investment from the federal government, my Administration has the resources to work with our community partners across the Commonwealth to bring reliable internet at high speeds and for affordable prices to every corner and every community in the Commonwealth.”

Matt Cartright, U.S. Representative, PA-08

"Now more than ever, the need for broadband to connect businesses with new markets and new customers is essential for businesses in rural areas of our district.

"Unfortunately, too many of these small and medium-sized businesses don’t have the digital tools they need to grow and prosper. This investment in America, and specifically rural Pennsylvania, is a game changer when it comes to getting connected to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband Internet at home, at work, and in our schools. I’m proud to have supported this bipartisan legislation."

Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. Representative, PA-05

“Internet powers our economy, education system, and health care system here in Pennsylvania. It's how Pennsylvanians connect to good-paying jobs, access telehealth services, do their homework, and keep in touch with loved ones. 

“I'm proud to see the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to deliver for Pennsylvania with this landmark high-speed Internet investment that will ensure no one is left behind as we work to deploy and upgrade broadband networks in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Susan Wild, U.S. Representative, PA-07

“An estimated 15 percent of Pennsylvania lacks high-speed Internet, including communities in PA-07 – so I’m thrilled that our Commonwealth is receiving over a billion dollars in investments in broadband Internet projects.

“I’ve heard from rural communities in my district about the detrimental impact that slow, spotty, or non-existent Internet connection has on them. In a time when we use Internet for everything from school to telemedicine to government services, everyone needs access to reliable, high-speed broadband to reach their full economic potential. I’m proud to have helped pass into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that is making this program happen, and I look forward to watching these projects get off the ground and get to work for PA-07 and the entire Commonwealth.”

Madeline Dean, U.S. Representative, PA-04

“The importance of affordable, reliable, and equitable Internet connection cannot be overstated — we depend on broadband access for school, work, finances, health, and so much more.

“I’m thrilled that Pennsylvania will receive more than $1.1 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. These crucial investments will help more families and communities, especially in rural areas of our Commonwealth like Berks County in my district, to stay connected and thrive.”

John Joyce, U.S. Representative, PA-13

“One of my top priorities in Congress is closing the digital divide and ensuring that every family and business across our district has fast, affordable, and reliable Internet access.  

“Right now, over 318,000 Pennsylvanians do not have fast and reliable access, and I look forward ensuring the NTIA provides funding to our rural communities that are negatively impacted by the digital divide.”   

“Over the past six months, Rhode Island’s broadband team has worked hard to maximize the state’s allocation of funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to ensure all Rhode Island residents and businesses are counted.

“Our efforts paid off and will be the foundation we’ll use to allocate funds to areas that need them most in order to close the digital divide. Thanks to President Biden, the allocation of funds announced will help ensure underserved areas are connected, in turn stimulating job creation and sparking innovation and economic development across Rhode Island.”

“One of the cornerstones of the Bryan-Roach initiatives for growing the workforce and promoting a stronger USVI economy is high-speed internet access for all of our residents. As we expand and enhance our broadband access throughout the Territory, we have put the USVI on an equal playing field with the global economy, to help our business community. This BEAD grant will allow us to reach some of the more isolated areas of our islands and give as many Virgin Islanders as possible affordable broadband access and all the benefits that access brings,” Governor Bryan said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how crucial it is to have access to high-speed Internet service, and how many places across the United States currently lack service. That’s why Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: to upgrade our infrastructure and deliver high-speed Internet to more communities across the country.

“This newly announced funding will help connect everyone in Washington to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet and reflects President Biden’s commitment to investing in America.”

Derek Kilmer, U.S. Representative, WA-06

“High-speed Internet service is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity for folks across our region to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, to access health care, and to stay connected.

“Rural broadband is almost like rural electrification was in decades past. We need these investments to create new jobs and businesses, empower students by placing new information at their fingertips, and help rural communities get in on the economic growth.”

Kim Schrier, U.S. Representative, WA-08

“I am thrilled to see Washington State receive over a billion dollars of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. These dollars will allow the state to work with local partners to get Internet access to the people who need it the most. I often hear from constituents in small cities, rural areas, and mountain passes about how lack of Internet connectivity hurts their home lives and businesses. This funding will be crucial for those unserved and underserved residents of the 8th District.”

Marilyn Strickland, U.S. Representative, WA-10

“250,000 Washington households are without high-speed Internet, and now with the additional $1.2 billion investment from the BEAD program, Washington State can close the digital divide allowing everyone to contribute and access the online world and its benefits. Every day the digital world continues to expand, and we must prioritize and commit to ensuring all Americans have equitable access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet service.” 

“I look forward to growing our digital infrastructure and providing every Washington home with the necessary digital tools, resources, and skills to succeed in today's world.”

“Connecting West Virginia has been a top priority of mine since Day One in the U.S. Senate, and today’s announcement has the ability to lead us to a major breakthrough in that effort.

“I have consistently worked with those involved in this process at both the state and federal levels to ensure our maps are as accurate as possible and West Virginia receives its fair share of funding. This funding, which is the largest amount of broadband funding awarded to the state to date, will assist in our efforts to provide communities with the resources they need to improve connectivity overall. We are on the cusp of a major breakthrough – one that I am committed to seeing though.”

“Nearly everything about our way of life in this day and age depends upon access to reliable, high-speed Internet, and we have work to do to ensure our infrastructure, our workforce, and our economy are prepared for the 21st century. 

“I’m proud that no administration in state history has done more than we have to expand access to reliable, affordable high-speed Internet in Wisconsin, and thanks to this more than $1 billion investment from the Biden Administration and the NTIA, we’ll be able to build upon our progress in getting folks connected and closing the digital divide in every corner of our state.”

"I am committed to ensuring these federal funds are utilized effectively to expand access to high-speed Internet. Wyoming has been dedicated to bridging the rural digital gap and will distribute this funding with a goal of ensuring Wyoming communities and businesses are able to develop the modern infrastructure they need to access critical services."

“This once-in-a-generation funding is a game changer for Guam. We long recognized the need for improved broadband infrastructure on the island, and this funding will allow us to make significant progress in bridging the digital divide and providing equal access to opportunities for our residents.

“The BEAD funding will be used to expand broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of Guam with the goal of bringing improved high-speed Internet service to all. The initiative will also address affordability, increased access, and help grow jobs and a stronger workforce.”

“The $80 million grant allows all residents, businesses, agencies, and organizations in the CNMI expanded access to more affordable, high-speed Internet that connects them to information and to the tools and resources they need to thrive in their jobs, their studies, business growth, or their organizational missions.

“We are thankful to the administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the NTIA for the historic funding support for broadband access.”