Garden State Times

JERSEY CITY, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s announcement that it will invest more than $42 billion as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand high-speed internet access nationwide, with New Jersey set to receive $264,689,548 in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grants:

“The Biden Administration’s announcement is a monumental win for the millions of hard-working families and small businesses that still lack access to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband in New Jersey and across the nation. I am proud to have worked diligently with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and to ensure that New Jersey received its fair share of federal dollars to unlock once-in-a-generation investments in rebuilding our roads and bridges, modernizing our transit systems, upgrading our clean water infrastructure, prioritizing climate resilience, and expanding access to high-speed internet.

“This represents the most significant upgrade and expansion to our nation’s high-speed internet infrastructure in generations – an investment larger than President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Rural Electrification Act, which brought electricity to every home and farm in America. These critical investments will improve access to workforce training and development opportunities, provide students with more reliable internet connectivity at home and in school, and expand health care and telemedicine options for seniors and hard-working families. Because of these investments, small business owners and entrepreneurs will gain a competitive advantage in the 21st century economy and low-income families and rural communities in New Jersey’s western and southern-most counties will now have access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet. Our state will also be able to improve existing connectivity, promote greater digital equity in underserved communities, and upgrade public safety communications systems that will make every community and neighborhood safer.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a clear example of what can happen in America when we prioritize delivering results that will improve the lives of communities nationwide. It is my sincere hope we can continue to build on this legislative success to ensure the United States is in a stronger position to outcompete any nation in the 21stcentury economy.”

Sen. Menendez will coordinate closely with Governor Phil Murphy and other state and local officials as decisions are made about how these funds will be allocated throughout New Jersey’s 21 counties.

Original source can be found here.