SILETZ — The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians has received $500,000 in federal funds for work on planning activities for broadband infrastructure connection, construction and service.
The money comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s tribal broadband connectivity program. The grant is for a study to develop a solution for broadband infrastructure connection, construction, and service to Native American households, businesses, and community institutions.
“The grant funds will allow the tribe to start a network of planning activities to develop a solution for broadband infrastructure in the greater Siletz area,” said Tribal Chair Delores Pigsley.
The grant was announced by the offices of Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.
“Tribes in Oregon and nationwide need modern and reliable broadband connections so that schoolchildren can learn, small businesses can buy and sell goods, and everybody can have access to tele-health,” Wyden said in a news release.
Merkley said “Far too often, tribal reservations are burdened by limited broadband infrastructure, which impacts the success of small businesses and students’ ability to succeed in schools.”
