May 24, 2023

Wyden, Merkley: Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Earn $500,000 Federal Grant for Wireless Connections

Tribal broadband connectivity resources will connect 200 unserved Native American households

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde will receive a $500,000 federal investment to build a fixed wireless network providing high-speed Internet connections to 200 unserved households in their community.

“Quality rural broadband is essential to quality of life, and that infrastructure priority must include Tribal communities,” said Wyden, who recently pushed the FCC to ensure rural, Tribal communities receive a fair share of federal broadband grants. “I’m gratified the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde have earned these federal resources, and I’ll keep battling to ensure all Tribal communities in Oregon have similar access that connects families to health care, children to online resources that help with school, and workers to good-paying job opportunities.”

“In today’s world, reliable and affordable broadband is crucial for Tribal communities to succeed,” said Merkley. “Investments that improve access to high-speed internet will help support the economy, education, and quality of life for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. I’ll continue doing all I can to secure resources that support Oregon’s Tribes.” 

The $500,000 for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde is from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Tribal broadband connectivity program created and funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. ?The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law added additional funds to the program.

"Thanks to this generous grant we've been awarded, we can continue to grow and strengthen our digital infrastructure, ensuring our members remain connected and active in our online spaces,” said Cheryle A. Kennedy, Tribal Council Chairwoman of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. “We will maximize this opportunity and get our members closer together."