Butler County is another step closer to offering faster internet to underserved areas.
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority released a list of provisional awards for broadband expansion which included Butler County.
According to Armstrong, the total cost of broadband expansion would be $12.5 million. The BEAD funding, as it’s known, would provide $5.3 million. Armstrong would contribute $6.3 million, and Butler County is committing up to $1 million.
“The goal is to expand fiber internet access to all of Butler County,” Jeremy Jurick of Armstrong said.
This project would add upon previously committed broadband expansion, which is targeting the Moniteau and Slippery Rock School Districts. This round is aiming to complete expansion in north and southeast Butler County.
“This project would be only for underserved areas and locations that currently don’t have access to high speed internet,” Jurick said.
There is currently a seven-day comment period, which ends Friday. The list then goes to the federal government, who could make the awards final by this fall.
“This is a great partnership with Butler County and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority,” Jud Stewart of Armstrong said. “We’re going to continue to work to be a great partner in the community.”
