The Navajo-Gila Information Technology Education Consortium has been awarded $715,760 from the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC), the non-profit designated by the FCC to administer funds to help deliver broadband and connectivity to areas of need. The state has also contributed $51,000 to meet required local matching funds for the project, which will benefit six school districts and 10 libraries. “This funding allows schools and libraries to access high-quality broadband at a lower cost,” said Jalyn Gerlich, Navajo County Superintendent of Schools. “This a fantastic partnership that will bring about greater stability to our region and is a good start to bridging the digital divide in the region.” The school districts to benefit from the award are Winslow, Joseph City, Holbrook, Show Low, Blue Ridge and the Navajo County Accommodation District. The libraries that will also receive support are the Navajo County Library District, and the Winslow, Holbrook, Clay Springs, Pinedale, Rim Community, Pinetop/Lakeside, Show Low, Snowflake-Taylor and McNary public libraries.
