Three townships in Blair County – Houston, Juniata, and North Woodbury – will receive high-speed internet for their community in a project funded through the federal Broadband Infrastructure Program. On Friday, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced completion of the first portion of the Alleghenies Broadband and Crowsnest Broadband project. The $2.4 million network expansion that will provide 70 new miles of wireline fiber optic broadband access to more than 530 rural locations that currently lack access to high-speed internet.  

“We are thrilled to see another crucial broadband project completed in our Commonwealth, giving more Pennsylvanians long-awaited access to internet they can afford,” said PBDA Executive Director Carson. “Making high-speed internet available to all our residents will strengthen our communities, help local businesses thrive, and drive a more dynamic and competitive economy across the state. PBDA will continue to work with our partners to move rapidly, implementing programs and delivering real results for Pennsylvanians.” 

In April 2024, the PBDA approved a total of $204 million in BIP funds to 53 projects in 42 counties that will connect over 40,000 homes and businesses, bringing high-speed internet access to over 100,000 Pennsylvanians. The grants, awarded to businesses and non-profits, are matched by more than $200 million in private investment. The combined investment of more than $400 million will expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas of the Commonwealth. Click here for the press release.