According to Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Ryan Warner (R-52), the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has awarded 40 laptops to Highlands Hospital-Penn Highlands Connellsville in Fayette County. This 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 said. “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. Connectivity is vital and this effort is a great step in strengthening the infrastructure our rural communities need to thrive.”
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, which allocated $279 million for critical capital projects in Pennsylvania. Of this amount, $20 million was designated for non-profits, community anchor institutions, and municipal governments to purchase laptops for local citizens.
“Expanded access to broadband technology is absolutely crucial as we work to revitalize and grow our rural communities here in Fayette County,” Warner said. “While we often focus our efforts on broadband infrastructure, it is also important to recognize not everyone has the equipment they need to access broadband services. I commend the leadership at Penn Highlands Connellsville for pursuing these laptops for the benefit of the people they serve.”
These laptops will enable users to connect to high-speed internet for essential services such as work and education while promoting digital literacy improvement. There will be no cost associated with using these laptops.
This initiative forms part of Pennsylvania’s broader mission to enhance community infrastructure and create accessible public spaces that support work, education, and health needs.
