[Libs-Or] Forthcoming grant opportunity for computer and wifi equipment

[WEIBLE Arlene * SLO]

The Oregon Broadband Office recently released temporary program rules<https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewReceiptPDF.action?filingRsn=61535> that establishes an approximately $6.8 million grant program from the state's American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Project Fund (CPF).

The Digital Connectivity Technology Program<https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/Oregon_Broadband_Office/Pages/default.aspx> will provide grants to community anchor institutions (including public and academic libraries!) to purchase internet-enabled personal computing devices such as laptops, desktops, and tablets; and (or) the purchase of public Wi-Fi equipment. The equipment must support services that enable education, work, or health monitoring (telehealth) and meet community needs around access and affordability surfaced during the pandemic.

In libraries, this grant could be used to purchase internet-enabled personal computing devices for lending programs, or for equipment that supports public wifi networks. See the program rules<https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewReceiptPDF.action?filingRsn=61535> (p.3) for more specifics about the scope of eligible equipment.

Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $250,000. Funding for the program will expire December 31, 2026.

A summary<https://www.oregon.gov/biz/Publications/Broadband/Reason%20Code%205%20Documents/ARPA%20CPF%20DCTP_One%20Pager.pdf> and FAQ<https://www.oregon.gov/biz/Publications/Broadband/Reason%20Code%205%20Documents/ARPA%20CPF%20DCTP_V1_FAQ.pdf> are currently available, with more details about the application process and timeline forthcoming. Now is a great time to do some initial planning to identify potential equipment needs and costs.

Keep tabs on the roll out of this program on the Oregon Broadband Office website: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/Oregon_Broadband_Office/Pages/default.aspx

Questions can be directed to the Broadband Office staff at: De.Broadband at biz.oregon.gov<mailto:De.Broadband at biz.oregon.gov>


Arlene Weible, MLS (she/her/hers)
Library Consultant
Oregon Federal Regional Depository Coordinator
State Library of Oregon
arlene.weible at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:arlene.weible at slo.oregon.gov> | 971-375-2727 | http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries

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