U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján announced that the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program has awarded $2,198,052 in grants to the Rio Rancho Public School District to support improved connectivity in the school district, an Aug. 29 press release from Luján's office said.

“Just like pen and paper, access to a reliable internet connection is critical inside and outside the classroom,” said Senator Luján. “As Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, closing the digital divide is a priority of mine. Thanks to this significant investment, the Emergency Connectivity Fund will help students and teachers at Rio Rancho Public Schools reach reliable connectivity, bringing us one step closer to closing the gap,” he said in the news release.

Part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is an effort aimed at tackling digital disparities, the press release said. The ECF program provides federal resources to eligible schools and libraries to address the need for improved connectivity in educational environments and narrow the education gap.

The ECF funding takes a significant step toward mitigating the difficulties experienced by students, teachers, and libraries in the Rio Rancho Public School District, the press release said.

“Students need fast and reliable internet to learn and succeed in school,” Heinrich said in the news release. “I’m proud to welcome this funding that we secured in the American Rescue Plan to connect students and teachers at Rio Rancho Public Schools to high-speed internet. I’ll keep fighting to make sure that all New Mexicans in every community across our state have the internet access they need to succeed.”