Erie County Times

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has allocated over $1.4 million in grants to two projects in Erie County aimed at enhancing internet access. This announcement was made by Senator Dan Laughlin.

The Erie Regional Library Foundation will receive $943,817 for the Children's Library Reno project. This initiative aims to increase the number of public computers and expand high-speed internet access for children and their families.

Additionally, Erie’s Black Wall Street Project Cornerstone is set to receive $500,000. The funds will be used to convert a property into a multifunctional community hub that provides public internet access to support workforce development, education, and health monitoring activities.

Senator Laughlin stated, "I’m proud to have secured this grant funding which will help ensure these facilities remain critical hubs that serve as lifelines for work, education and health." He emphasized the importance of improving these facilities to meet both current and future community needs.

These grants are part of the federally supported Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program. This program is a segment of a $45 million initiative designed to enhance high-speed broadband access through community anchor institutions for essential services such as work, education, and health monitoring.

For more information on state-related news, constituents can visit Senator Laughlin's website or follow him on social media platforms.