West Central PA News

Senator Cris Dush has announced that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is providing grant funding for the purchase of over 170 laptops in Jefferson and McKean Counties. The initiative aims to address affordability issues that hinder digital broadband access and expansion in these communities.

Dush emphasized the importance of connecting underserved rural households, schools, and local governments with necessary technology. "Connecting underserved, rural households, schools and local governments with the technology and resources they need to successfully bridge the digital divide is absolutely critical for making our entire region more appealing for future development and family-sustaining job creation," he stated. He also highlighted that these laptops will offer "affordable and reliable online access to education, workforce training and other vital community services—all at no cost to local residents."

The laptop grants are funded through the ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program. This program was part of a $20 million competitive grant process aimed at public-facing community anchor institutions across Pennsylvania. These include libraries, schools, units of local government, workforce training organizations, and other non-profits.

Institutions applying for these grants had to demonstrate that affordability is a barrier to broadband adoption in their areas. The projects eligible for funding focus on providing devices that enable broadband internet access while promoting digital literacy and skills training.

Established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2021 as an independent agency under the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), PBDA is tasked with creating a statewide broadband plan. It distributes federal and state funds for broadband expansion projects targeting unserved and underserved areas within Pennsylvania. The authority's mission is to close the state's digital divide so all residents can have affordable high-speed internet access whether at home or on the move.