Indiana County broadband project receives $1.5M workforce grant

The Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative recently awarded the Indiana County Broadband Deployment Initiative project a $1.5 million grant.

Funding will be used for the eight wireless telecom sites and the deployment of more than100 miles of fiber optic cable. The project will bring high-speed broadband access to approximately 75 businesses and 825 households in 12 Indiana County communities.

Broadband access is difficult to come by in the county because its rural location and small population made it unprofitable for internet service providers to offer service.

“Pennsylvania’s coal-impacted communities have undoubtedly felt the impacts of energy production shifts in the economy, and resources that support new job opportunities and broadband access are absolutely critical in ensuring these communities are not left behind,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “More than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and likely exacerbated the critical need for broadband access, the Indiana County Broadband Deployment Initiative project will advance the way of life for these communities, their neighboring communities, and visitors.”

The project also has received $1.5 million in funding from a local source.

ARC offers competitive funding through the POWER Initiative annually to 13 Appalachian states for projects in a wide range of areas.