Erie County Times

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has allocated grant funding to four institutions in Erie County, aimed at enhancing internet access within the community. This initiative was announced by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49), who stated that all funds will be directed towards purchasing laptops.

“We all know how important broadband internet is in our daily lives, and this funding will increase access to technology devices, the cost of which is preventing broadband use,” said Laughlin.

These grants are part of a $20 million competitive process under the ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program. The program targets public-facing community anchor institutions and local government units in Pennsylvania to procure devices, primarily laptops. To qualify for these grants, institutions had to demonstrate that affordability issues hinder broadband adoption and usage in their communities.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority was established by a 2021 state law as an independent agency within the Department of Community and Economic Development. Its mandate includes developing a statewide broadband plan and distributing federal and state funds for expanding broadband projects in underserved areas of Pennsylvania. The authority aims to bridge the digital divide so residents can access affordable high-speed internet.

For further information on state-related news, constituents are encouraged to visit Senator Laughlin’s website or follow him on social media platforms.