Wyden, Merkley Announce $2.2 Million for Rural Broadband Technical Assistance in Oregon

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., today announced more than $2.2 million in funding to help expand high-speed internet in communities across rural Oregon.
“It is more important now than ever to have reliable access to the internet, especially for rural Oregonians who depend on emergency updates for natural disasters, accessing telehealth options, student research and so much more,”Wyden said.“But for too many communities in rural Oregon, it can be burdensome and expensive to even apply for the federal funding they need to get the job done. I applaud this federal award to provide resources and support for Oregonians building out broadband infrastructure in rural communities, and I am committed to fighting for even more resources to help get every Oregonian connected, no matter where they live.”
“It is critical for rural and Tribal communities in every corner of Oregon to have access to high-speed internet, yet many areas still lack reliable and affordable service,”Merkley said.“These federal investments will help boost the broadband access individuals, families, and businesses need to support stronger, more connected rural Oregon communities and economies.”
The $2.2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program will be distributed as follows:

Wyden and Merkley have both championed expanded access to broadband across Oregon, including by advocating for increased broadband technical assistance resources for communities in rural Oregon. In June of 2023, Wyden announced an unprecedented nearly$700 millionfor expansion of broadband across Oregon after Wydensuccessfully fought to fix inaccurate FCC maps.In October of 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced nearly a$3 millionfederal loan for high speed internet expansion in Clackamas County.
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