HARRISBURG – Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) confirmed the approval of more than $19.1 million in state funding across Centre, Elk and McKean counties to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA).
“Expanding access to broadband infrastructure, especially for the citizens I serve in rural portions of Senate District 25, is proving to be every bit as critical as our utilities and transportation infrastructure,” said Dush. “Without question, closing the digital divide is an automatic game changer for families, schools, hospitals, local governments, main street small businesses and homegrown industries, such as agriculture, forestry and fossil fuel production. Securing this highly competitive funding is an absolute must for keeping affordable and reliable digital broadband expansion projects moving forward and making our entire region more appealing for future development and family-sustaining job creation.”
Specific grant recipients and funding amounts are as follows:
- Windstream Pennsylvania LLC received nearly $2 million for broadband projects in Centre County.
- Verizon Pennsylvania LLC received $17.1 million for broadband projects in Elk and McKean counties.
Made possible by the federally funded Broadband Infrastructure Program, this inaugural round of grants represents a significant milestone in the PBDA’s broader initiative to close the commonwealth’s digital divide.
All funds must be utilized by Dec. 31, 2026. Grantees will be held accountable for the prudent expenditure of awarded funds. The PBDA has the ability to claw back any unused or misused funds.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly established the PBDA in 2021.
CONTACT: Ty McCauslin, Communications Director at 717-787-7084 or tmccauslin@pasen.gov.