South Central PA News

Reps. Rob Kauffman, Rich Irvin, and Paul Schemel have expressed approval for the recent allocation of $4.2 million in Broadband Infrastructure Program grant funding to Franklin County. This funding is aimed at enhancing broadband services in underserved areas.

The representatives emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This funding is essential to improving broadband service for residents and businesses in underserved areas of the county. In today’s world, almost everything is done via the internet, whether it is shopping, paying bills, doing schoolwork, conducting business or having telemedicine appointments. Because of this, we need to ensure faster and more reliable internet access to those areas of the county that do not currently have adequate service.”

The grant for Franklin County forms part of a larger $204.1 million initiative supporting 53 projects approved by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The specific allocation for Franklin County has been awarded to Zito West Holding, LLC to aid ongoing broadband deployment efforts.

The program's funds originate from the American Rescue Plan Act and are designated exclusively for costs related to installing or acquiring middle-mile and last-mile high-speed broadband infrastructure. This encompasses activities such as data gathering; feasibility studies; community engagement; public feedback processes; repair; rehabilitation; construction; improvement; acquisition of real property, equipment and facilities; as well as administrative expenses.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority was established to serve as a central contact point for parties interested in expanding the state's broadband infrastructure and services.