July 2023

Feedback collected will support Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion planning efforts

Ridgway, PA (July 6, 2023) – The North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission today announced a meeting to engage the community in discussions about broadband use and experiences. The meeting will also provide information about the Commonwealth’s work to develop an action plan to ensure equitable, affordable broadband access for all residents, businesses, and communities.

Those interested in participating are invited to join the meeting scheduled for July 20^th, 2023, from 10am – 11:30am at the Port Allegany Veteran’s Memorial Inc. at 4743 PA-155, Port Allegany, PA.

Executive Director, Jim Chorney states “Access to broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for every individual and community in the region. It goes beyond connectivity; it is the key that creates opportunities and paves the way for knowledge and economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.”

The North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission’s meeting is part of a larger strategic effort led by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA). Through a robust meeting series, the PBDA will connect with a diverse array of Pennsylvanians and use the public input to help develop plans to address broadband service needs in unserved and underserved communities. The plans will help ensure everyone has the skills, technology, and capacity needed to benefit from our digital economy.

“Far too many Pennsylvanians lack access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet access or face barriers to accessing the technology necessary to participate in our society and economy fully,” said PBDA Executive Director Brandon Carson. “We are seeking to close the digital divide, and the feedback we receive through community meetings is essential as the Commonwealth develops its Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment and Digital Equity plans.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, authorized a $65 billion investment into broadband to close the digital divide. Pennsylvania is guaranteed a minimum of $100 million and is expected to receive hundreds of millions in additional funding through formula or competitive funding opportunities. The community meetings are critical to the planning process and will help inform Pennsylvania’s path forward when the Commonwealth secures funding and implements the plans.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) and the upcoming community engagement activities, visit the PBDA’s website. 

About the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA)

The PBDA is responsible for creating a statewide broadband plan and distributing federal and state monies for broadband expansion projects in unserved and underserved areas of Pennsylvania. PBDA efforts focus on closing Pennsylvania’s digital divide so all Pennsylvanians can get connected to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband internet at home, at work, or on the road.

About North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is a premier regional development organization that serves the public and private sector through a wide range of economic, community, infrastructure, human services, and technology programs for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter Counties.

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a two-year roadway project continues on Interstate 180 eastbound and westbound in Montoursville Borough, and Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy townships in Lycoming County.

Week of July 9

On Sunday July 9, 2023, through Friday, July 14, 2023, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, will continue milling the westbound lanes of Interstate 180 starting near the westbound on ramp at the Lycoming Mall and continue westward to Brushy Ridge Road. The contractor will also be paving the westbound lanes from Brushy Ridge to Loyalsock Creek. Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 PM and 2:00 PM, weather permitting.

Motorists can expect daily traffic patterns including alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution.

Glenn O. Hawbaker is the prime contractor for this $11.4 million highway resurfacing project.  Work on this project includes mill and resurface of over 13 miles of roadway including entrance and exit ramps at Route 87 and the Fairfield Road interchanges, new lighting, guide rail upgrades, drainage, signage, and pavement markings. Additional work the removal and re-epoxy of 16 bridges throughout the project.  These bridges span the Loyalsock Creek, Route 87, Fairfield Road, Route 220, Carpenter’s Run, Brushy Ridge Road, Wolf Run, and Muncy Creek.  Work on this project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024, with a winter shutdown in 2023.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution through the work zone.

City of Bradford Police

We are pleased to inform you that the Bolivar Run and Constitution Ave remediation project is scheduled to commence this week.

As the project progresses, we anticipate possible traffic disruptions and occasional road closures, which may affect residents and other motorists.

In the event of complete road closures, appropriate signage will be placed to guide residents, ensuring access to their homes.

Access can be gained via Constitution Ave or Bolivar Drive, passing through GGB Elementary School.

The project is expected to span approximately one month, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period.

Emporium Vol Fire Dept

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The time has finally arrived and the long awaited fire siren will sound again at noontime everyday.

HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) issued the following statement after the state House approved a 2023-24 state budget despite his negative vote.

“Just a few days ago, I was prepared to support this budget, not because I agreed with every single thing in it but because it was going to give students in our worst performing schools a chance to make their lives better.

“Sadly, the governor pulled the rug out from under those more than 207,000 children and their families today when he pledged to line-item veto the $100 million appropriation for Lifeline Scholarships.

“Governing is built on trust. If the bill as drafted and agreed to with the Senate was put up for a vote in the House, it would have passed. The governor bowed to the progressive leadership in the House and is unwisely allowing them to drive the agenda. He speaks about working together, but stabbing the Senate in the back, as stated by one senator, is far from that.

“Where I come from, you actually do what you say you’re going to do. The governor pledged support for lifeline scholarships during his campaign for governor and reiterated that support in budget negotiations with the Senate last week. Today he reneged on that promise. The people of this Commonwealth deserve better.”

To watch Owlett’s remarks on the House floor regarding the budget and lifeline scholarships, click here: https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pagopvideo/871243193.mp4

The Education Council has scheduled an Excel I (Basic) class and an Excel II (Intermediate) class for Thursdays, August 3 and August 10, respectively, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Classes will be taught by Ron Keeney, Professor in the Computer Science Department at Alfred State College of Technology and will be held at the Education Council’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street. The cost for each class is $59 per person. For more information, call (814) 274-4877.