RIDGWAY — North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is calling a $600,000 grant from Appalachian Regional Commission a “tremendous opportunity .. to achieve affordable broadband connectivity.”

The grant, announced by ARC earlier this month, is in partnership with the Local Development District Association of Pennsylvania, and is to be used for a statewide broadband initiative.

Within the North Central region, six separate project areas have been identified to facilitate broadband development activities including the installation of fixed wireless broadband equipment in partnership with existing internet providers to expand broadband services into targeted areas. The project is anticipated to serve 120 businesses and 470 households within the six-county North Central region.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for businesses and communities within the North Central Pennsylvania region to achieve affordable broadband connectivity. Expanding broadband throughout the region and extending service to help those in unserved and underserved has long been a priority here in North Central Pennsylvania and we appreciate the strong partnership with the LDDs in coming together to make this project happen” said Executive Director Jim Chorney.