PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Mitchell Obenrader Marketing/Project Specialist W: 814.677.4800 x131 Email:[email protected] A Pennsylvania Local Development District

For Immediate For Release

Northwest Commission receives funding to expand broadband connectivity in Rural PA

The Northwest Commission, a member of the Local Development District Association of Pennsylvania, received funding through support of the PA legislature and the Wolf administration. The funding from the state budget to employ fixed wireless technology will be used to provide Broadband connectivity to unserved or underserved areas in the region. Representative -63rd was instrumental in securing the funding for the pilot projects that will take place inside and outside her district. Additionally, local Representatives -65th, Cris Dush-66th, -75th and -67th and Republican House Majority Leader Brian Cutler and House Appropriation Committee Chairman -94th were also champions for the funding.

“Connectivity in rural areas makes it possible to live and work where you want to, not just where you have to. Finding low cost, efficient ways to connect our most rural areas is the key for moving our region forward. The LDDs are very excited that our pilot projects were so well received by the legislature and signed into the budget by Governor Wolf.” says Northwest Commission Executive Director, Jill Foys.

The Northwest and North Central Planning Commissions, located in Oil City and Ridgway respectively, will partner to complete five pilot projects in the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Forest and Jefferson. Using existing and available infrastructure when able, the project will be cost effective and timely. A specific timeline is being constructed and rollout will take place in the coming months.

395 Seneca Street  Oil City, PA 16301  Phone: (814) 677-4800  Fax: (814) 677-7663  www.northwestpa.org

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Mitchell Obenrader Marketing/Project Specialist W: 814.677.4800 x131 Email:[email protected] A Pennsylvania Local Development District

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Established in 1967, the Northwest Commission is a regional resource for business and economic development as well as community development and planning. The non-profit agency is composed of a team of skilled professionals dedicated to sustaining economic vitality and growth in the northwest Pennsylvania region by fostering local, state, and federal partnerships across public and private sector lines. The Northwest Commission provides programs such as business financing, government contracting, international marketing, grants, transportation, and technology assistance to eight counties in northwest Pennsylvania including: Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren.

395 Seneca Street  Oil City, PA 16301  Phone: (814) 677-4800  Fax: (814) 677-7663  www.northwestpa.org