Pennsylvania announces broadband plan for how to spend almost $400 million
Harrisburg, PA – With nearly a quarter of Pennsylvania's licensed drivers 65 years of age or older, the Pennsylvania departments of Transportation (PENNDOT), Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), along with the AARP, hosted an event today at The Manor at Oakridge, a Holiday by Atria community in Harrisburg, to highlight the unique challenges faced by older drivers during Older
Driver Safety Awareness Week, which is observed December 5-9.
“Mobility is essential to quality of life at any age,” said Kurt Myers, PENNDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “Many older drivers have a lifetime of valuable driving experience to draw from, and PENNDOT continually seeks to balance the safety of our roadways with the need for independence and autonomy.”
Pennsylvania is moving forward with expanding broadband across the commonwealth, and a new plan details how state officials will judge success.
The Pennsylvania Broadband Authority laid out its goals in a report, its focus on broadband infrastructure and availability, digital equity, device and tech access, and digital literacy.
“Our collective mission is to foster and create equitable, affordable, and robust highspeed broadband infrastructure and services connecting Pennsylvania for the 21st century and beyond,” the report noted.
An infusion of federal funding gives the state at least $100 million to strengthen internet service, and the total cash could reach as high as $1 billion, as The Center Square previously reported. Rural economic growth has been a key part of previous broadband discussions, as has avoiding government waste in building up the network.
The report says at least $100 million for broadband from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, along with almost $279 million from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund, has funded the expansion so far.
The Broadband Plan emphasized connecting low-income families, along with creating economic opportunity for Pennsylvania businesses, health care access, and shoring up public services such as EMS support.