Gov. Tom Wolf highlighted the benefits expanded broadband access would provide for education in a recent speech at Dover Area High School.
The governor described how the proposed Restore Pennsylvania program would provide funding for high-speed internet access.
“For Pennsylvania to succeed we must close the digital divide to ensure every citizen has the access it needs to connect to the ever-expanding digital world in which we live and work,” Gov. Wolf said. “Our students, parents, and our teachers deserve better, and we can provide that through Restore Pennsylvania.”
The Restore Pennsylvania program would be funded by a severance tax and invest $4.5 billion over the next four years in projects related to high-speed internet access; storm preparedness and disaster recovery; downstream manufacturing, business development, and energy infrastructure; demolition, revitalization and renewal; and transportation capital projects.
In Dover, Gov. Wolf outlined how Restore Pennsylvania would help school districts by expanding broadband access to all Pennsylvanians. Through the program, grants would be available to support the installation of infrastructure to provide high-speed internet.
“All of the technology that the Dover Area School District has generously invested in for the improved achievement, communication, and safety of our students is only as good as the ability for families to access this information at home,” Superintendent Tracy Krum said. “We applaud Governor Wolf and his foresight to understand that high-speed internet for all Pennsylvanians is truly a game changer for families across the state. And, definitely in Dover.”
Nearly 1 million Pennsylvania residents currently lack access to reliable high-speed internet.