Over $90 million coming to Central PA to expand internet access

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Six counties in Central Pennsylvania are receiving funding for broadband infrastructure expansion.

On Thursday, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced the approval of $204.1 million in grants to expand high-speed internet access in underserved areas of Pennsylvania. That money will be matched by more than $200 million in private investments, bringing over $400 million that will provide affordable internet access to more than 40,000 homes and businesses in the Commonwealth.

“Too many Pennsylvanians don’t have the high-speed internet they need to do their homework, support their small business, or stay connected with loved ones. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we’re changing that,” U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) said. “This funding will help close the digital divide in Pennsylvania communities that need it most, rural and urban areas alike.”

So, where is that funding going? Well in Central Pennsylvania, Blair, Huntingdon, Cambria, Somerset, Centre and Clearfield Counties are set to receive over $90 million of that funding.

Sen. Wanye Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) announced that $37.4 million will be dispersed across Cambria, Clearfield and Centre Counties.

“This is great news for Clearfield County, the expansion of broadband into underserved parts of the county will have a far-reaching long-term positive impact,” said Commissioner Tim Winters.

Sen. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Bedford- Fayette-Somerset- Westmoreland) announced $13.3 million is coming to Somerset County. This funding will increase broadband throughout the county by constructing fiber optic networks.

Over in Blair and Huntingdon Counties, Rep. Jim Gregory (R-Blair) announced more than $40 million will be coming to improve access to reliable, high-speed internet.

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Funding is made available through the America Rescue Plan, which has provided newly $265 million to Pennsylvania for those in need of affordable broadband infrastructure. The program targets locations that do not currently have access to 25/3 Mbps reliable service.

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