BOSTON — Nine municipalities, including three in the Berkshires, are sharing $555,747 in grant funding to improve internet accessibility for residents. 

 

The Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program monies are through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, part of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. This funding will support a broad range of activities across each community, including expanding digital literacy instruction, digital education and access, digital navigation services, laptop and tablet distribution and public wi-fi networks.

 

• Clarksburg is getting $64,677 to upgrade and expand public wi-fi at the community center and town park, purchase new devices and equipment for on-site use at the library, community center and school, offer a series of digital literacy lectures and develop materials to inform residents of available digital inclusion services. The town had been working on its planning with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.

 

• Dalton is getting $56,598 to fund digital literacy and new internet devices at public locations such as the Housing Authority, library, Senior Center and youth center). It will purchase computers and related equipment, provide stipends to youth digital navigators, contract external organizations to film digital literacy programs, facilitate train-the-trainer sessions and support procurement and program evaluations. The Senior Center will also distribute tablets to older adults.

 

• Lenox is getting $56,603 for public space improvements at the Community Center, library and Town Hall. This will include public wi-fi upgrades, new computers and other equipment to facilitate improved participation in public in-person and hybrid programs/events.

 

The other six communities are Charlemont ($46,828), North Andover ($60,000), Northfield ($85,260), Orleans ($64,800), Shutesbury ($55,979) and Somerset ($65,000).

 

The nine participating communities developed digital equity plans under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program, a statewide initiative that connects municipalities with qualified consultants to determine access gaps and enact planning activities aimed at bridging the digital divide. 

 

"Massachusetts is narrowing the digital divide by working with communities to deliver digital training and education services to residents statewide," said interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba. "The Municipal Implementation Program offers a road map to local leaders through a planning exercise and puts dollars on the table to implement the communities' top priorities to close the digital divide."

 

A total of 105 cities and towns across the state participated in the program and 28 are currently participating in the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program. Communities participating in the planning program may apply for a direct grant of up to $100,000 after completing the planning process.