Altoona Times

Sen. Judy Ward emphasized the importance of the $11.9 million investment in Blair and Cambria counties, stating, “High-speed broadband is vital in today’s increasingly technological world.” She highlighted how this grant will benefit rural communities by improving their quality of life and access to essential services.

Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Sen. Judy Ward, stating, “I am thrilled to partner with Sen. Judy Ward on these projects to provide access to reliable, high-speed internet service to the region. These investments will have a lasting impact on our community.”

The funding for the project comes from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA), made feasible by the federally funded Broadband Infrastructure Program. A total of $200 million in competitive grants was awarded for projects across the state lacking 25/3 Mbps internet service.

To ensure accountability and efficiency, the PBDA requires grantees to provide quarterly and annual progress reports, adhere to state and federal guidelines, and utilize the funds by December 31, 2026. The PBDA also has mechanisms in place to reclaim any unused or misused funds.

This investment marks a significant milestone in the PBDA’s efforts to bridge the digital divide, following its establishment by the General Assembly in 2021. The initiative aims to improve access to high-speed internet in underserved areas and enhance connectivity for residents.

For media inquiries, please contact Nathan Akers (Ward) at 717-787-2421 or Gwenn Dando (Langerholc) at 717-787-5400.