Oregon will be receiving about $157 million in federal funds to expand broadband infrastructure, the White House announced on Wednesday.
It’s part of President Joe Biden’s pandemic relief package, passed by Congress in 2021.
The funding will help the Oregon Broadband Office secure high-speed internet for about 17,000 homes and businesses around the state. The state office also expects to access $698 million from another federal program.
Related: Oregon begins mapping out plan to expand rural broadband after big federal grant
A 2020 study found that about 28% of Oregonians lived in areas without broadband access, or with outdated basic services. That report said rural areas have the highest need for updated internet services, though many Oregonians in metro areas also lack affordable connections.