The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has approved $48.7 million in provisional funding to expand broadband access in the 50th Senate District, according to an announcement from Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50). The funds come through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
“I worked hard to advocate for this historic investment in our communities every step of the way,” said Brooks. “Locations across Crawford, Mercer and the portions of Lawrence County within the 50th Senatorial District that the PBDA identified as needing coverage will now be connected through the funding of these projects. For far too long, families, farms, schools and small businesses in rural Pennsylvania have been left behind because of a lack of reliable internet service. Today we are taking a major step toward closing that digital divide.”
Internet providers will use this funding to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities throughout the district. Some providers will also receive extra support to expand their services further across Pennsylvania.
The PBDA is an independent agency under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. It was established with support from Senate Republicans to manage broadband planning statewide and oversee both federal and state investments aimed at improving broadband infrastructure for areas lacking adequate service. More details about its work can be found on the PBDA’s website.
