High-speed internet may finally make its way to millions of Americans, thanks to the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF), a part of the Biden administration's Investing in America Agenda that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury to fund broadband infrastructure projects.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the projects are located in Delaware and Idaho, as well as several multipurpose facility projects, and the goal of the CPF drive is to increase economic opportunities and expand internet access in underserved communities.
“Digital connectivity is central to expanding economic opportunity in communities across the country,” Wally Adeyemo, deputy secretary of the Treasury, said on the Treasury's website.
The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan and Affordable Connectivity Program, both a part of the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Biden’s Investing in America plan has already expanded access to affordable internet service to 17 million American families.
Gov. John Carney (D-DE) offered his thanks to the Congressional delegation for its efforts, and says he anticipates positive results stemming from the investment.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) capital funds to build a better future for the next generation of Delawareans,” Carney said, according to the Treasury's website. "The capital projects announced today aim to expand economic opportunities for Delaware families, dedicate resources to make sure children have access to the education they deserve, and large investments in our communities -- especially those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, (D-DE) noted that he worked on provisions in the American Rescue Plan that provide assistance to those residents who need aid the most.
“From my time as governor, I’ve worked on strengthening families, and these funds are going to improve the organizations that help uplift so many families in our state,” Carper said, according to the Treasury's website. “These organizations often invest so much of their resources into their missions -- whether it’s providing shelter, services for our veterans, substance abuse treatment, job training or after-school activities for children -- and these funds will help them improve their facilities so they can better serve our communities.”
According to the Treasury, the CPF extends $10 billion to states, territories, tribal governments and freely associated states to pay for projects that facilitate education, employment and health monitoring.
“This funding is a key piece of the Biden-Harris administration’s historic investments to increase access to high-speed internet for millions of Americans and provide more opportunities to fully participate in the 21st century economy,” Adeyemo said.
