For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, October 1, 2003

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray today announced the release of over $1 million in federal education awards for three Washington state communities: Seattle, Spokane, and Wapato. Awarded under the U.S. Department of Education’s Community Technology Centers (CTC) Program, these grants will help support public access to personal computers in low-income and underserved areas.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services and Education (HELP), Murray supported full funding for the CTC programs and worked to include CTCs in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.

CTCs include community service, social action, and educational facilities that use computers, the Internet and other technological tools to provide a range of economic and educational services for underserved populations and communities. CTCs provide access to free or low-cost computer-based and digital applications, hardware, networks, technology training and support programs.

“These funds bring us a step closer to closing the digital divide in Washington state,” Murray said. “As the world of technology moves ahead, communities with limited access will be left behind. I am pleased to have supported these funds to help increase public access to computers and technology across our state.”

The following Washington state organizations will receive CTC grants:

• The Inland Northwest Community Access Network (TINCAN), “Spokane Community Technology Centers” project - $308,361

• Northwest Learning & Achievement Group (Wapato) “Los Sabios” project - $287,464

• Seattle Public Schools “Tech Net” project - $495,081