June 2023

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) newsletter! Read on for the latest updates and news from the PBDA on grant program progress, and ways to support broadband efforts across the Commonwealth. 

The PBDA is seeking feedback to help us improve our newsletter content. Please take a few minutes to complete the brief survey below - it only takes about 3 minutes. Your input is important and will help us deliver the information and updates that matter most to you.  We appreciate your participation.

PBDA Facilities Grant Program: Allegheny County’s Swissvale Library 

From left to right: Unidentified Rankin Councilwoman, Glenn Ford, President, Rankin Borough Council, Jolisa McCarthy, Mayor, Rankin Borough, State Representative Abigail Salisbury (PA House District 34), State Senator Jay Costa (PA Senate District 43), Kate Coluccio, Swissvale Library Director, Terri Lawson, Woodland Hills Board President, Eddie Willson, Assistant to the Superintendent, Woodland Hills School District

Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale enters phase 2 of its $500K ADA-accessible facelift! With a grant from PBDA’s Capital Projects Fund: Multi-Purpose Community Facilities (Facilities) Program, construction is underway for new front steps plus restroom and exterior improvements. 

Other Local Efforts: Connect Beaver County

From left to right: Lance Grable, President, Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, Meghan Rodgers, Michael Baker International, Representative Roman Kozak (PA House District 14), Representative Joshua Kail (PA House District 15), Jim Marshall, VP Business Development, M:7, Tony Amadio, Beaver County Commissioner, Jack Manning, Beaver County Commissioner, Representative Robert Matzie (PA House District 16), Dan Distler, Director, Office of Planning and Redevelopment, Beaver County, Joe Bzorek, Michael Baker International 

In August 2025, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ (NATOA) awarded the Connect Beaver County Broadband Program with the 2025 Public-Private Partnership award. This award recognizes innovative projects in government, businesses, and local communities. 

Beaver County is dedicated to expanding high-speed internet access throughout Beaver County, focusing on underserved and rural communities.

The Broadband Ready Communities (BBRC) Program is still open! We encourage townships to participate, as it will showcase that a municipality has made an effort to address barriers to broadband infrastructure deployment.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at ra-dcbroadbandready@pa.gov. 

See all current BBRC designated municipalities and counties. 

From groundbreakings to ribbon cuttings and everything in between, we want to hear how you’re connecting your community. Your story will be featured in the PBDA Newsletter and shared across the PA Department of Community and Economic Development social media channels on Facebook and X.   

Know someone in the community who’d like to talk about the positive impact your organization has had? We love to share their testimonials, too. 

Submit stories and testimonials to PBDA's Public Affairs Manager, Kalie Snyder. 

No matter your role—legislator, resident, participant, or stakeholder—the PBDA team is ready to help.

If you have questions about closing the digital divide in Pennsylvania, email the
PA Broadband Development Authority or connect with us by phone
at 1.866.466.3972.

Department of Community & Economic Development | dced.pa.gov