Rep. Thompson Announces $1.5 Million Federal Grant for Indiana County Appalachian Regional Commission Will Fund County Broadband Deployment Initiative

Clarion, PA – This week, U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)approved a$1.5 million grant to Indiana County, for the County Broadband Deployment Initiative. The project will deploy over 100 miles of fiber optic cable and establish 8 wireless telecom sites, providing high-speed broadband access to approximately 825 households and 75 businesses. In addition to federal funds, local sources will provide an additional $1.5 million.

"More than 18 million Americans lack access to broadband and those living in rural areas are 12 percent less likely than their urban and suburban counterparts to have broadband connectivity at home," said Thompson. "COVID-19 highlighted the fact that we need greater accessibility and reliable service to ensure our families and businesses can stay connected to the rest of the world. I am thankful for the Appalachian Regional Commission's continued efforts to support connectivity and congratulate the Indiana County Commissioners for taking on one of the most important challenges the community has been facing."

"This grant award demonstrates the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) continued commitment to invest in rural areas that lack adequate broadband Internet access. The Indiana County Commissioners are excited to get started on the project and we will continue working with ARC, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development and our other partners to address the Digital Divide that exists in our communities," Byron G. Stauffer, Jr., Executive Director of the Indiana County Office of Planning & Development.

"Improving access to high-speed broadband will make Appalachian communities more economically competitive, and the need for increased connectivity for Appalachian businesses and residents has become even more apparent as states and communities work to overcome the negative impacts of the current COVID-19 crisis," said ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas. "This investment in Indiana County will go a long way toward this goal. I want to thank Representative Thompson for his continued support of ARC as we work together to improve the lives of the residents of Pennsylvania."