Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined with Gardner leaders and community partners to highlight the historic broadband investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The group discussed recent efforts to expand broadband in Gardner with the partnership of Comcast, as well as additional assistance to get families connected as a result of funding on the way from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“The transformative investments included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mean Bay Staters will not only benefit from safer roads and bridges, cleaner drinking water, and more accessible public transit, but they will also benefit from expanded access to high-speed internet,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The critical broadband funding included in the package will close coverage gaps, connecting the tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents who currently lack internet access that’s critical for their jobs, schoolwork, tele-health services, and more. I was proud to cast my vote for this once-in-a-generation package, and I look forward to working with our community partners to ensure these investments benefit every family across the Third District.”

“In 2021, everyone should have access to broadband internet to keep up with modern world standards for employment and education. The funding included in the Infrastructure Law will help us close the final gaps in locations that are still lacking in internet speeds,” said Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson. “During the past year, we have seen how many companies now have their employees working permanently remote. Furthermore, we now have teachers who have adapted their lesson plans to a more modern internet-based curriculum with a broader research base. Gardner, and other locations across the Commonwealth, need to adapt to these changes in order to provide our residents with the resources they need to be successful. This bill gives us just that and the benefits will help more people than we could mention.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $65 billion to ensure that every American has access to high-speed internet. Massachusetts is set to receive no less than $100 million to close coverage gaps that see 137,000 Bay Staters currently lacking coverage — a hurdle that makes it difficult to connect to work and school. The infrastructure package also established the Affordable Connectivity Program to help low-income families access the internet. Across the Commonwealth, 1,340,000 people — or 1 in 5 individuals — will be eligible for assistance through the benefit. The benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households, connecting working families to jobs, critical health care services, virtual classrooms, and much more.

During the roundtable, Trahan was joined by Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson, State Representative Jon Zlotnik (D-Gardner), Gardner City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, Gardner Public Schools Superintendent Mark Pellegrino, City of Gardner IT Director Robert O’Keefe, Retired Gardner Police Chief Neil Erickson.

"Improving internet access is an important factor in economic development and, more and more so in overall quality of life,” said State Representative Zlotnik. “Less densely populated areas have long struggled to attract the necessary infrastructure investment to make those opportunities a reality which is why these federal funds are so welcome."

“During the pandemic, students, staff, and parents were forced to rely more heavily on technology for communication and learning. Web-based programs brought about fundamental changes to our system that have positively impacted our entire community,” said Gardner Public Schools Superintendent Mark J. Pellegrino. “They have given our teachers new ways to connect with and educate our students; given parents more information on their child's progress and well-being; and motivated students to develop skills that will last them a lifetime. Truly, technology has become an essential part of our educational system — we simply cannot do without it. Ensuring that Gardner has high-speed connectivity will facilitate meaningful communication and learning, and help move our school system forward. In addition, the Affordable Connectivity Program will help our low-income families have access, supporting an equitable educational system for all. I thank Congresswoman Trahan and the other legislators who made this possible for our city.”

Trahan supported passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November, sending it to President Joe Biden’s desk where he signed it into law. A preliminary breakdown of funding Massachusetts will receive for a number of initiatives can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Since being elected to Congress, Trahan has consistently advocated for broadband expansion in the Third District and beyond, especially for communities like Gardner where some residents previously lacked dependable access. Last year, Trahan worked with Mayor Nicholson, City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, and Comcast to secure high-speed internet access for 47 Gardner households in the last existing large section of the city without this resource.

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