Laurel Highlands Today

HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R- Bedford/Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland) have announced a significant boost in federal funding for improving broadband access in Somerset County. The Pennsylvania Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) has allocated $13.3 million to enhance the county's fiber infrastructure.

Metzgar emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "Broadband access is a massive issue in Somerset County. Every home and business in the Commonwealth must have access to high-quality broadband for day-to-day productivity and leisure."

The Somerset County Commissioners, Brian Fochtman and Irvin Kimmel, Jr., expressed their gratitude for the investment in unserved and underserved communities. They highlighted the collaborative efforts with Rep. Metzgar and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, stating, "We have an obligation to better the lives of residents, and this news helps us achieve that goal."

Sen. Pat Stefano also underscored the significance of improving broadband infrastructure, noting, "Ensuring equal, consistent access to every home, farm, business, or church is essential to the quality of life and continued economic growth throughout the 32nd District and across Pennsylvania."

The funding from the Pennsylvania Broadband Infrastructure Program aims to address locations without access to reliable 25/3 Mbps service. It will support the construction of fiber optic networks to expand broadband availability in Somerset County.

The program will fund projects that extend existing last-mile cable modem and fiber-to-the-premise broadband networks, as well as large-scale regional initiatives that can enhance broadband access for numerous eligible addresses.

This investment marks a substantial step towards bridging the digital divide and enhancing connectivity for residents and businesses in Somerset County.