Shenango Valley News

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly recently presented $500,000 in Community Project Funding to officials from Impact Corry for the Corry Area Technology & Cyber Hub (CATCH) project. The event took place at a ceremony hosted by the Corry Higher Education Council in Corry, Pennsylvania.

The funding aims to enhance local broadband infrastructure as part of the #LiveConnected expansion project led by Impact Corry. During the news conference, Rep. Kelly and local officials emphasized the importance of reliable high-speed internet for economic growth in Erie County.

"Reliable internet is a critical tool for both families and businesses to succeed in the twenty-first century," said Rep. Kelly. He added that Impact Corry's efforts are transformative and aim to provide returns on taxpayer investments.

Charles Gray, Executive Director of Impact Corry, acknowledged the role of elected officials like Rep. Kelly in supporting initiatives such as #LiveConnected. "Great strides, like the #LiveConnected program, would not be happening without the advocacy and support of our elected officials like Representative Mike Kelly," he stated.

The funding was secured through the 2022 Community Project Funding process with applications submitted by Impact Corry, alongside partners including the City of Corry and the Corry Redevelopment Authority.

The initiative will focus on installing high-speed broadband infrastructure across Corry and developing related technology projects such as a regional cloud system and work-at-home job training programs. These efforts seek to address significant challenges faced by rural communities regarding broadband access and limited technology options.