South Central PA News

Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) announced today that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) will be awarding over $13.6 million in grants to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet in Adams and Franklin counties. Mastriano expressed his satisfaction with the development, stating, "I`m pleased that these underserved areas of Adams County and Franklin County will now have the infrastructure needed to ensure faster internet connection.” He also emphasized the importance of high-speed internet in today's economy, noting, “In today’s competitive economic environment, access to high-speed internet is crucial for our business owners and farmers."

The grant funding, which originated from the federally funded Broadband Infrastructure Program, aims to address the lack of 25/3 Mbps internet service in underserved communities. PBDA, responsible for overseeing the grants, will require grantees to provide regular progress reports to ensure transparency and efficiency. All funds must be utilized by Dec. 31, 2026, with stringent accountability measures in place to prevent misuse or underutilization.

This allocation of grants signifies a significant step in PBDA's mission to bridge the digital divide, following its establishment by the General Assembly in 2021. Constituents of the 33rd District who wish to learn more about Mastriano can visit his website at SenatorMastriano.com or follow him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.

For media inquiries, please contact Josh Herman at 717-787-9603.