Sánchez, City of Norwalk celebrate opening of no-cost Wi-Fi Zones in Norwalk parks

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) joined City of Norwalk Mayor Ana Valencia and other community leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony to launch #ParkConnnect, a project that will create opt-in, no-cost Wi-Fi Zones across the city.

In partnership with City officials, Congresswoman Sánchez secured $1,720,000 for the project in the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The ribbon cutting at Hermosillo Park marks the first of many no-cost Wi-Fi Zones to be installed in parks across Norwalk.

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“I am honored to be here in Norwalk today to celebrate the #ParkConnect project coming to fruition,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “Today, internet access is needed for almost everything, from connecting with family to e-learning and applying for jobs. It needs to be accessible for everyone, and this project is a big step in bridging the digital divide.”

“The investment of no-cost Wi-Fi in our Norwalk city parks will create an inclusive, safe, and accessible environment for our community,” said Mayor Ana Valencia. “Norwalk Councilmembers and I are grateful to Congresswoman Linda Sánchez’s contribution to the progress and well-being of Norwalk students, families, neighbors, and park visitors.”

#ParkConnect is part of the Smart Cities Digital Divide Wi-Fi Solution designed and developed for Norwalk’s underserved students and families. The project bridges the local digital divide by providing infrastructure to deliver Wi-Fi to the community whichenhances an ecosystem and digital empowerment, equity, and stability to our community. #ParkConnect provides students, families, and park visitors to opt-in for no-cost “Smart & Safe” Wi-Fi Zones.

Funding for this project, as well as eight others, was secured by Congresswoman Sánchez through the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. In May of 2022, Congresswoman Sánchez presented the City of Norwalk with an award of $1,720,000 for #ParkConnect.

Congresswoman Sánchez continued: "As your Representative in Congress, it is my honor to fight for you every day. That includes fighting for the resources needed to complete the projects in your neighborhood that are important to you. I was proud to request, fight for, and deliver $1.7 million for this important project. I look forward to working with Norwalk to open more of these free Wi-Fi Zones across the City."

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