HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-63) today announced the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has awarded the Armstrong Conservation District $1,874,000 in grant funding to bolster internet access within the community.
The funding will be used for the Armsdale Center for Agriculture and Conservation Campus Improvements project. The facility will host a teaching kitchen, educational greenhouse, open garden classroom and a free internet café. These capital assets will assist individuals to enter the workforce by providing training in culinary and agricultural careers.
“As we look to empower the future workforce of our region, expanding opportunities is key,” Pittman said. “In our ever-changing and growing world, ensuring rural communities also have high-speed internet access must remain an area of focus. I’m very pleased the Armsdale Center for Agriculture and Conservation is receiving this substantial support, which will go a long way to help meet current and future broadband needs.”
“I am excited to see the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority invest in the Armsdale Center for Agriculture and Conservation,” said Oberlander. “This grant will not only enhance the campus with much-needed improvements but also provide invaluable resources to our community, such as workforce training in culinary and agricultural careers. Adding a free internet café and educational spaces will empower individuals to gain new skills and better access opportunities for their futures, helping to strengthen Armstrong County’s economy and quality of life.”
The grant, funded through the federally backed Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, is part of a $45 million competitively awarded initiative to support projects that bolster high-speed broadband access for essential services, including work, education, and health monitoring, using community anchor institutions.
Improving internet access in schools, libraries, recreation centers and non-profit organizations, this investment ensures that these facilities remain critical hubs for public benefit. This funding is part of a statewide, multi-year effort to improve access to high-speed internet.
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Rick Leiner (Rep. Oberlander)