Project Title:
Cowlitz Digital Inclusion Broadband Connectivity FY2021
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to increase broadband use and adoption among Native American Tribal citizens and community members in Longview, Washington through the implementation of affordable broadband services, distribution of enabled devices, digital literacy and skills training programs, and the launch of a Tribal platform for the delivery of tribal services.
State(s):
-
$7,580,563.59Funding Amount
The project will implement the following activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by the Native Americans in the Tribal service area resulting from a severe lack of broadband access or service:
- Conduct an assessment of needs and barriers for tribal members related to broadband affordability and device availability;
- Provide subsidies for affordable broadband service to tribal members currently without service or who need assistance maintaining their existing connection;
- Provide appropriate broadband enabled devices to those tribal members lacking a qualified device;
- Creation of digital literacy and skills building programs for both tribal members and employees; and
- Implementation of an online Tribal Portal to provide tribal services online, as well as a Digital and Health Equity dashboard to monitor and report program progress.
Increase and preserve access to broadband services that are currently limited due to cost. Increase the number of tribal households with a broadband enabled device. Reduce the digital divide through digital skills trainings for tribal members and employees. Reduce barriers to accessing broadband or telehealth resources. Create a user-friendly online resource for tribal use.
The project will serve approximately 1,125 households, 490 working age tribal members, 150 tribal employees, as well as 3,275 individuals