The Daily Item
June 6, 2024
Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority recently approved more than $200 million to bring internet connectivity to 40,000 Pennsylvania homes and businesses. For more than 249,000 Pennsylvanians who currently lack internet service or struggle with poor internet connectivity, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
With this award, plus matching funds from private investment, internet providers will expand service to Pennsylvanians who will finally be able to apply for remote work, attend telehealth appointments, grow rural businesses, and access schoolwork from home.
Other opportunities are on the way under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. First, the Multipurpose Facilities Program offers $45 million in competitive grants for libraries, recreation centers, fire halls, and churches to improve their structures to enable work, education, and health monitoring to occur onsite.
Second, another $200 million allocated through President Biden’s Digital Connectivity Technology Program will allow Pennsylvania communities to provide up to 200 laptops to residents, including seniors, school children, and volunteers.
More funds are available through the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to high-speed internet, but we constituents must be proactive and apply for them.
For more information on current and future funding opportunities, visit https://www.broadband.pa.gov/.
Rick Thomas
Lewisburg