Congresswoman Judy Chu Helps Provide $1.5 Million for Broadband Internet in Pasadena Parks

Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-27) visited the Villa Parke Community Center Tuesday to present Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo with a check for $1.5 million for Pasadena to pay for expanded broadband access to Pasadena residents.

The funding was secured by Rep. Chu through Community Project Funding via the annual Congressional appropriations process and will help provide free public Wi-Fi to all parks and park facilities in the City of Pasadena not currently so equipped.

The increased access to broadband will support underserved communities, students and all residents, according to a statement from Congresswoman Chu’s office.

Said Chu Tuesday, “What this will do is make sure that every park has reliable and extensive broadband.”

Chu noted that currently, 15 Pasadena parks have broadband service, but said, “There are 33 parks in Pasadena, so this will make sure that 18 more  of them get broadband, and those 15 that already have it, can ensure that their internet is reliable and has a wider spread to it.”

Mayor Gordo, who accepted the check on behalf of the city, added, “This is not just important, it’s a necessity. It’s a necessity for all residents of Pasadena at all ages to have access, because access to the information is education, it’s access to services, and ultimately, it’s one of the ingredients in the recipe for success.”

Added Gordo, “Without access to this information that’s needed to be successful in today’s world, our residents are at a disadvantage.”

No immediate timeline was provided for the completion of the broadband installation.