Heinrich, Luján Announce Over $2 Million In Broadband Funding to Rio Rancho

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, announced a total of $2,198,052 in grants from the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program to the Rio Rancho Public School District.

The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) was created and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which Senators Heinrich and Luján supported. This program specifically directs federal funding for digital tools and services to eligible schools and libraries. The ECF helps provide relief to students, staff, and libraries to help close the education gap. 

“Students need fast and reliable internet to learn and succeed in school,” said Senator Heinrich. “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.” 

“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.”