August 05, 2025

Wyden, Merkley Announce $2.2 Million for Rural Broadband Technical Assistance in Oregon

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., today announced more than $2.2 million in funding to help expand high-speed internet in communities across rural Oregon.

“It is more important now than ever to have reliable access to the internet, especially for rural Oregonians who depend on emergency updates for natural disasters, accessing telehealth options, student research and so much more,” Wyden said. “But for too many communities in rural Oregon, it can be burdensome and expensive to even apply for the federal funding they need to get the job done. I applaud this federal award to provide resources and support for Oregonians building out broadband infrastructure in rural communities, and I am committed to fighting for even more resources to help get every Oregonian connected, no matter where they live.”

“It is critical for rural and Tribal communities in every corner of Oregon to have access to high-speed internet, yet many areas still lack reliable and affordable service,” Merkley said. “These federal investments will help boost the broadband access individuals, families, and businesses need to support stronger, more connected rural Oregon communities and economies.” 

The $2.2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program will be distributed as follows:

  • $240,000 for QualityLife Intergovernmental Agency to conduct a comprehensive broadband feasibility analysis, develop a sustainable business plan, and establish partnerships that will support the long-term development of broadband infrastructure throughout Wasco County.

  • $1,000,000 to Sequoia Consulting, LLC doing business as Rural Prosperity Partners to promote broadband deployment in Oregon by improving Internet Service Provider readiness, facilitating technical partnerships, reducing financial barriers and empowering community stakeholders.

  • $966,000 to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance Inc. to stimulate the construction of new broadband infrastructure on Tribal Lands in Oregon along with New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Louisiana, Arizona, and Texas. The funding will increase the number of tribally owned and operated broadband networks, improve competition, and provide practical technical, financial, organizational and capacity-building assistance.

Wyden and Merkley have both championed expanded access to broadband across Oregon, including by advocating for increased broadband technical assistance resources for communities in rural Oregon. In June of 2023, Wyden announced an unprecedented nearly $700 million for expansion of broadband across Oregon after Wyden successfully fought to fix inaccurate FCC maps. In October of 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced nearly a $3 million federal loan for high speed internet expansion in Clackamas County.