HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that Lehigh County will receive a grant to improve digital connectivity by providing laptops, according to Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16).
Parkland Community Library in Allentown will receive 20 laptops. The devices will facilitate broadband internet access and promote digital literacy and skills training.
“Having slow or no internet is an undeniable hindrance for people of all ages, whether they’re going to school or running a business that benefits the community,” Coleman said. “Because Parkland will soon have additional devices, the library will be able to help people achieve their goals in a new way.”
The grant was awarded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Local governments, libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations and not-for-profit organizations needed to prove that affordability negatively impacted broadband adoption in the competitive process to secure part of the program’s $20 million.
Having received support from Senate Republicans, a law created PBDA as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. PBDA is responsible for creating a statewide broadband plan and distributing federal and state dollars for broadband expansion projects in unserved and underserved areas of the state.
CONTACT: Robert Arena, 484-861-4964