According to Pennsylvania State Senator Pat Stefano and Representative Jesse Topper, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has awarded 120 laptops to the Everett Free Library in Bedford County. This initiative is part of a grant process established by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
“Access to reliable technology is not a luxury, but a necessity, especially in our rural communities,” Stefano stated. “I’m grateful PBDA has chosen to grant these devices to public libraries and health care facilities, where they will provide critical access to digital resources for education, employment opportunities and other essential services.”
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, which allocated $279 million for critical projects in Pennsylvania. Of this amount, $20 million is designated for non-profits, community anchor institutions, and municipal governments to purchase laptops for local citizens.
“Providing our community with the appropriate tools to connect people to the opportunities of tomorrow is a game changer for the future of our region,” Topper mentioned. “I appreciate the work of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority in understanding the unique connectivity needs of rural Pennsylvania while also recognizing the life-changing impact of getting the right technology in the hands of those who need it most.”
These laptops will allow users free access to high-speed internet services for work and education purposes and help promote digital literacy. This effort supports Pennsylvania’s mission to strengthen community infrastructure and create accessible public spaces that serve as lifelines for various essential services.
