Altoona Times

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that Juniata County is being awarded more than $11.4 million to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet, according to Sen. Judy Ward, Rep. Perry Stambaugh, and Rep. David Rowe.

"In today’s technological age, access to reliable and high-quality broadband is essential," emphasized Sen. Judy Ward. She added, "These projects will help to modernize and upgrade internet capability in Juniata County and will help those individuals better engage with the community around them and pursue their best lives."

Rep. Perry Stambaugh highlighted the current situation by stating, “Counties in the 86th State House District are among the 11 statewide where more than 50 percent of tested broadband connections were measured as ‘unserved,’ having Internet speeds below 25/3 Mbps.” He emphasized the importance of better access to high-speed internet, stating that it "will begin to bridge the rural-urban digital divide and bring world-class telecommunication services to our businesses, schools, and families."

Rep. David Rowe echoed the significance of the investment, saying, “For many, access to reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity. It’s essential for the continued growth of our economy and success of small businesses." He expressed excitement about the potential opportunities that this award could bring to the residents of Juniata County.

The funding, made possible by the federally funded Broadband Infrastructure Program, aims to address the lack of 25/3 Mbps internet service in various areas across the state. The PBDA has set strict guidelines to ensure accountability and efficient use of the funds, with grantees required to provide progress reports and adhere to state and federal regulations. All awarded funds must be utilized by Dec. 31, 2026, with the PBDA empowered to reclaim any unused or misused funds.

This significant investment marks a pivotal step in the PBDA’s mission to reduce the digital divide since its establishment in 2021 by the General Assembly. For media inquiries, please contact Nathan Akers at 717-787-2421.