The federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently awarded more than $8 million to 10 projects in Pennsylvania counties affected by job losses in the coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.
“As the economies of coal communities declined, less funding was available to complete the infrastructure projects needed to attract new businesses. This includes high-speed, reliable broadband internet access,” Sheri Collins, acting executive director of the Governor’s Office of Broadband Initiatives, said. “The projects funded by this round of ARC grants will help coal communities establish the level of broadband access required to compete in today’s economy, removing a major obstacle to starting or relocating a business in this region.”
Tioga County in Wellsboro was awarded $2.5 million for the Northern Pennsylvania Broadband Connectivity Project. In conjunction with Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative, the county will install more than 175 miles of fiber optic cable in Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties.
Active coal mines in the area have dropped 66 percent while employment has decreased 42 percent. The new fiber network is expected to bolster economic development and assist educational institutions, hospitals, and healthcare workers, and help prevent youth migration.
The project was the state’s largest award.
ARC is an economic development agency focusing on 420 counties across Appalachia.