Benninghoff Announces $975,109 for High-Speed Internet Infrastructure for Unserved Areas of Potter Township
HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) announced residents of Potter Township, Centre County, will benefit from a $975,109 state grant to increase access to high-speed broadband. The grant funding was designated by the Legislature as a part of the Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program.
“In today’s world, high-speed internet is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Benninghoff said. “Access to high-speed broadband means access to education for our young people, health care for those without transportation and commerce for small businesses. I am proud to bring tax dollars back to our community where they will be used to provide this modern necessity to those who need it.”
The grant recipient, Centre WISP Venture Company, LLC (Centre WISP) of State College, will use the funding to expand its high-speed broadband network to include 291 potential service connections by installing a total of 21.6 miles of fiberoptic cable to serve 277 residential and 14 business properties. The new infrastructure will provide speeds of at least of 250 Mbps download and 250 Mbps upload and maximum speeds of 1 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload.
Expanding access to broadband in rural communities is a top priority for Benninghoff. Recently, with his support as House majority leader, the House unanimously passed legislation, House Bill 2071, now Act 96, to establish the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The authority will develop a statewide plan for broadband expansion and facilitate additional funds anticipated through a federal infrastructure bill recently approved by Congress.