From staff reports
Several counties in northwest Pennsylvania will see a coordinated effort to expand high-speed internet access thanks to a $600,000 Keystone Communities grant.
The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission will receive $108,125 to expand high speed internet access in the region. Targeted areas for development with these funds include Venango, Clarion, Mercer and Erie counties.
Foys said “COVID-19 has shined a light on the need for internet access. The pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives from access to education and healthcare to continuity of work and staying connected to friends and loved ones. Connectivity isn’t an indulgence, it’s a necessity.”
The Keystone Communities grant will match an additional $600,000 Appalachian Regional Commission’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization broadband grant supported by the state Department of Community and Economic Development to undertake broadband expansion throughout the region.
The Northwest Commission has been working with its member counties to identify unserved and underserved areas and any vertical assets that exist to successfully develop fixed wireless projects.
“Our county commissioners and Erie’s county executive are all actively involved in broadband development. They are collaborating to maximize efforts and efficiencies knowing that the internet doesn’t recognize boundaries of municipalities, counties or even states,” Foys said.
