West Central PA News

Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) is urging citizens to participate in the public comment period for the proposed Digital Broadband Expansion Plan by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA). The plan aims to address the lack of broadband access in rural areas, which has negatively impacted various aspects of daily life.

"Rural Pennsylvanians, especially the citizens I represent in McKean County and surrounding areas, have been suffering from the total lack of interest of major broadband providers for far too long," said Dush. "Your feedback is essential to keeping rural broadband expansion projects moving forward across Northwest Pennsylvania and beyond."

The PBDA has released a draft "Digital Equity Plan" for public review and download. The agency intends to use the public comments as supporting evidence to secure additional federal funding through the Digital Equity Act. This funding aims to ensure that all individuals and communities can benefit from the digital economy.

"Expanding broadband infrastructure is proving to be every bit as critical to our rural communities as our utilities and transportation infrastructure," stated Dush. "Submitting your input to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority will have an immediate and lasting impact."

Residents of Senate District 25 can submit their comments through the PBDA website. The deadline for submissions is Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. It is important for citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the development of reliable and affordable broadband access in rural areas.

The lack of broadband access in rural areas has had a significant impact on families, schools, local governments, hospitals, and businesses. It has hindered economic growth and job creation, making it crucial to address this issue promptly. By providing their input, citizens can help shape the future of broadband expansion projects and create a more connected and prosperous region.

Expanding access to high-speed internet service will not only benefit existing employers but also attract new businesses and foster future development. The availability of reliable broadband will contribute to the overall growth and competitiveness of rural communities.

It is evident that the digital divide in Pennsylvania needs to be bridged. By participating in the public comment period, citizens have the opportunity to influence policy decisions and secure additional funding for broadband expansion projects. The time to act is now, and the input of each individual is crucial in ensuring a brighter digital future for rural Pennsylvania.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://senatordush.com/2023/12/07/dush-calls-for-immediate-citizen-input-on-rural-broadband-expansion-plan/