Washington Legislature Establishes the Community Technology Opportunity Program

The 60th Washington Legislature took the historic step to define Community Technology as an important strategy for the State's future by allocating $500K to support Washington's Community Technology programs. On March 12, 2008, Senate Bill 6438 was passed calling for (or creating) a statewide broadband development process and establishing the Community Technology Opportunity Program (CTOP), which will be administered by WSU Extension.

What does this mean? Help is on the way for non-profit organizations across Washington State that offer Community Technology programs. Passage of this bill will allow eligible organizations to seek capacity-building assistance and project grant funding through CTOP. This bill is a major step forward for Washington to become more digitally inclusive state. As defined in the bill, CTOP will lend much-needed help to community organizations that ensure tens-of-thousands of Washington's under-served residents have access and the skills to more fully participate in the State's 21st century society and economy.

Here are a few highlights of what SB 6438 provides:

• The Community Technology Opportunity will be established for the purposes of capacity-building for, and grant-giving to, Community Technology programs.
• A broadband deployment and adoption strategy for Washington State will be developed through a multi-sector work plan.
• A statewide web directory of Community Technology programs will be developed.

This bill will position Washington State as a national leader in broadband deployment and adoption and takes the important step to ensure all residents have the opportunity to be included. Congratulations Washington!