HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that Verizon and Comcast Cable have been awarded nearly $6.5 million in grants to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet in the 41st Senatorial District, according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41).
“High-speed internet allows people better access to basic amenities such as education, health care, public safety and government services, and it has become essential for most businesses,” said Pittman. “We need to bridge the digital divides that exist in our commonwealth, especially those in rural areas, to ensure all Pennsylvanians can take advantage of the many things broadband can deliver.”
Grants for projects in the 41st Senatorial District were awarded as follows:
- Comcast Cable Communications, LLC received $940,421 for projects in Indiana County.
- Verizon Pennsylvania LLC received $2.95 million for projects in Indiana and Jefferson counties.
- Verizon North LLC received $2.6 million for projects in Indiana and Westmoreland counties.
Pittman also noted that an additional $34.7 million would be used by Verizon to improve access in parts of Indiana, Cambria and Clearfield counties:
- Verizon Pennsylvania LLC received $9.18 million for projects in Cambria, Clearfield and Indiana counties.
- Verizon North LLC received $12.8 million for projects in Cambria and Indiana counties.
- Verizon Pennsylvania LLC received $12.7 million for projects in Cambria and Indiana counties.
Made feasible by the federally funded Broadband Infrastructure Program, competitive grants totaling $200 million were awarded for projects across the state in areas lacking 25/3 Mbps internet service.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the PBDA mandates quarterly and annual progress reports from grantees, accompanied by comprehensive guidance on state and federal requirements and technical support. All funds must be utilized by Dec. 31, 2026. Grantees will be held accountable for the prudent expenditure of awarded funds. The PBDA can claw back any unused or misused funds.
This inaugural round of grants represents a significant milestone in the PBDA’s broader initiative to close the digital divide since the General Assembly established the PBDA in 2021.
Contacts: Kate Eckhart Flessner