News

July 10, 2009

Sen. Casey fears state may get shortchanged on broadband

Scranton Dem wants informational workshop in state on how get funds.

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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U.S. Sen. Bob Casey supports the $7.2 billion included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for rural communities to expand access to broadband services, but he’s concerned that Pennsylvanians may be at a disadvantage in getting the funds.

The senator from Scranton wrote a letter Wednesday to Acting Administrator of Rural Development for the Department of Agriculture James Newby and Assistant Secretary and Administrator for the National Telecommunications Information Administration Larry Strickling urging them to hold an informational workshop in the state.

“Despite my overall support of the program, I am concerned that potential Pennsylvania applicants may be placed at a disadvantage in the application process,” Casey wrote.

Currently, the three closest workshops to Pennsylvania are scheduled this week in Washington, D.C, Boston and Charleston, W.Va.

“Arranging for travel accommodations and lodging at such short notice would place a serious strain on the municipal budgets already stretched thin during this difficult time. Many potential applicants will likely determine workshop participation in a different state to be cost-prohibitive, thus foregoing the chance to acquire critical information and insight,” Casey said.

He asked Newby and Strickling for “an additional workshop” to be held in Centre County “or another Pennsylvania location toward the conclusion of the month.”

The senator said rural communities’ access to broadband Internet “is an important step towards ensuring the nation remains a competitive player in the global economy.”

Casey encouraged rural Pennsylvania communities to apply for funding.

“These grants and loans help individuals in communities with limited internet capabilities access the information many of us take for granted,” Casey said.

For more info

Log on to: http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov. Application submissions for the first of three rounds of funding will open July 14 and close Aug. 14.

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