Funding will bolster job market, expand internet access to rural communities
WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Arlen Specter (D-PA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has awarded $36,382,885 to Keystone Wireless, LLC to develop broadband infrastructure in Central Pennsylvania. The funding is available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Funding for Keystone Wireless, LLC will help provide 3G broadband service in Centre, Lycoming, Union, Northumberland, Snyder, Clinton, Schuylkill, Berks, and Montour counties. Approximately 963,820 people stand to benefit from this project, in addition to roughly 26,882 businesses and 9,035 community institutions.
“I am pleased that this funding is coming to Pennsylvania to expand access to broadband,” said Senator Casey. “This project will not only benefit consumers, it can also spur economic development and create jobs.”
“Access to the internet is critical in today’s world and these investments will help bridge the digital divide so that all Pennsylvanians can be connected to a solid communications infrastructure,” Senator Specter said. “This funding is great news for Pennsylvania as it will spur investments in technology and provide long-term economic growth to the region.”
The funding announced today is part of a $1.8 billion investment touching 37 states. The aim of the funding is to expand broadband infrastructure and bring jobs and economic opportunity to rural communities.
More information about USDA’s and Commerce’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.broadbandusa.gov .
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