Thompson Announces $50,000 Federal Grant for Clarion County Connected Broadband Study

Statement

HOWARD, Pa.-- Today, U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson announced that Clarion County Economic Development Corporation is the recipient of a $50,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to support a support a county-wide broadband engineering plan.

The ARC investment will allow Clarion County Connected to study all 12 boroughs and the surrounding rural communities to produce a roadmap for deploying broadband where it is needed most. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $50,000, bringing the total project funding to $100,000.

"With more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians living without access to broadband, developing an accurate broadband map is essential to ensure that reliable, high-speed internet can be delivered to our communities," Rep. Thompson said. "I applaud the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation for working to bring the infrastructure necessary to allow for remote learning, telemedicine, access to e-commerce, and the ability for residents to telecommute. This study will help advance Clarion County further towards the goal of bridging the digital divide."

Jarred Heuer, Executive Director of Clarion County Economic Development said, "Congressman Thompson has remained committed to closing the digital divide here in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Strong broadband infrastructure is vital to the economic future of our county and region. The award from ARC will help provide a roadmap for how to best bring fast, reliable, and affordable internet to Clarion County. The CCEDC is thankful for the support Congressman Thompson has extended to Clarion County Connected, as it has brought Clarion County one step closer to providing the broadband connectivity that our residents, business owners, and students require."

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ABOUT THE ARC
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

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