Pennsylvania receives $20M federal grant to improve internet connectivity

The Biden-Harris Administration approved $20 million this week for digital connectivity projects in Pennsylvania under the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF).

The award will fund Pennsylvania’s Digital Access Opportunity Grant program, which seeks to increase access to laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and Wi-Fi devices to state residents. Devices will be available for use in home or in public spaces, such as schools and libraries, through loan programs from community anchor institutions (CAIs), which will also offer digital literacy training. Pennsylvania estimates this program will benefit approximately 12,000 individuals annually.

“Projects that address gaps in internet access and affordability are critical to meeting the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of expanding economic opportunity in communities across the country,” Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said. “By funding the Digital Access Opportunity Grant program, these American Rescue Plan resources will help close the digital divide in the commonwealth and connect thousands of Pennsylvanians to workforce, education, and health care services they need to live prosperous and healthy lives.”

This grant comes from the Capital Projects Fund, which was created through thr American Rescue Plan. The fund provides a total of $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that provide internet connectivity in communities with unmet needs. The idea is to close the digital divide and bring workforce, education, and health care services to communities in need.

“As our world becomes more digital, closing the digital divide in our communities is more important than ever. Pennsylvania’s economic future depends on reliable high-speed internet access for every community—rural, urban, and everything in between,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) said. “This funding won’t just provide more laptops and wi-fi devices to people who need them, it will help break down the barrier that’s keeping a young mother from a higher education, a small business from reaching a new market, and a grandparent from staying in touch with their grandkids.”

This funding comes in addition to last year’s award of $200 million in CPF funding for high-speed internet projects in Pennsylvania. The commonwealth estimates that it will connect approximately 44,000 homes and businesses to affordable, high-speed internet. It will also provide $45 million for multi-purpose community facilities.

“High-speed internet access is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity,” U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said. “This $20 million for Digital Connectivity Technology projects will bring Pennsylvanians access to critical devices that help them run a business, get an education, visit the doctor, and so much more.”

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