Scranton Reporter

Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-8), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that Pennsylvania will receive $1.16 billion for broadband upgrades thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

President Joe Biden announced earlier today more than $42.5 billion to expand high-speed internet access nationwide and the method for deployment to the states.  

"Now more than ever, the need for broadband to connect businesses with new markets and new customers is essential for businesses in rural areas of our district," said Congressman Cartwright. "Unfortunately, too many of these small and medium-sized businesses don’t have the digital tools they need to grow and prosper. This investment in America, and specifically rural Pennsylvania, is a game changer when it comes to getting connected to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband internet at home, at work, and in our schools.  I’m proud to have supported this bipartisan legislation.

"Initial proposals must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PDBA) by the end of the year.  Created in December of 2021, the PDBA is an independent agency of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The authority is responsible for creating a state-wide broadband plan and distributing federal monies for broadband expansion projects in unserved and underserved areas of Pennsylvania. 

Under the rules of the program, states must prioritize connecting predominantly unserved areas before bolstering service in underserved areas.

Original Spurce can be found here.