Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that four Harris County Public Library branches—Katherine Tyra, Maud Smith Marks, Spring Branch Memorial, and West University—will receive funding from the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program, part of a nearly $26 million grant the Harris County Public Library system received.  The ECF Program grant will cover the costs of laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity purchases for use by students, school staff, and library patrons.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance as well as the need for high-speed internet to connect workers to jobs, students to schools, and people to one another,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “The funds from the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program will provide students with the resources to close the homework gap and will provide all library patrons access to information and reliable service.  I was glad to authorize this funding last year and look forward to continuing to work to get students and library patrons the internet and device access they need.”

"Libraries have always sought to bridge the growing digital divide,” said Amy Campbell, Katherine Tyra Branch Manager, on behalf of all four TX-07 libraries receiving funding.  “After Hurricane Harvey uprooted so many in our area, we saw this was a need then—and continues to be a need now.  Internet connectivity is vital for communication, productivity, and continuing education.  This will make a huge difference in the lives of so many in our community."

In February 2021, Congress authorized the Emergency Connectivity Fund as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Congresswoman Fletcher voted for the bill, which was the largest effort in U.S. history to address the homework gap and ensure students have access to the broadband service and devices they need outside of school.