Dauphin News

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has announced a significant grant for the Charleroi Area Public Library, amounting to nearly $594,000. This funding aims to improve internet access within the community as part of the library's "Renovate, Elevate and Adapt for Tomorrow" (REACT) project. The initiative seeks to upgrade the library’s infrastructure and services to better serve the community's evolving needs.

Senator Camera Bartolotta emphasized the importance of this grant by stating, “Charleroi Area Public Library serves our area in so many ways by supporting work, education and health monitoring, and this grant will further all of those important initiatives. It will also address areas of improvement as revealed by the pandemic.”

The grant is part of a larger $45 million initiative funded through the federally backed Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program. This program supports projects that enhance high-speed broadband access for essential services such as work, education, and health monitoring via community anchor institutions.

This investment targets improvements in internet access across schools, libraries, recreation centers, and non-profit organizations. It ensures these facilities continue to be vital public benefit hubs.

To ensure transparency and accountability, PBDA mandates grantees submit quarterly and annual reports detailing project progress and compliance with federal standards. A final report due three months post-completion will assess the project's impact on outcomes, sustainability efforts, and equity considerations. The release of the final 10% of funding is contingent upon a thorough review of this report.

This investment aligns with Pennsylvania's broader mission to strengthen community infrastructure and create accessible public spaces that support work, education, and health needs. By enhancing these facilities, Pennsylvania aims to equip its communities for both current demands and future challenges.