Apr 23, 2024 By Mike Jones 3 min read

Washington County and Comcast were awarded a $9.425 million grant last week from the state that will help pay for a massive expansion of high-speed broadband internet services in several rural areas of the county.

The $27 million project that will extend 400 miles of broadband lines to 2,715 homes and businesses received the boost in funding from the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Program during Thursday’s meeting by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority.

The project was approved by the Washington County commissioners last July and will provide high-speed internet to portions of 13 municipalities, but it was contingent upon receiving the state grant that would pay for about one-third of the costs.

As part of the plan, the county agreed to spend nearly $9 million using federal American Rescue Plan Act stimulus funds and money from the Appalachian Regional Commission, along with another $8.3 million “capital match” from Comcast. The final piece, however, was the broadband grant from the state’s Capital Projects Fund that will now allow Comcast to move forward with construction.

Washington County was one of 16 projects across the state to receive a portion of $204 million in grants from the program last week.

“We are thrilled to be part of this project that will bring essential connectivity to local communities in Washington County,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., senior vice president of Comcast’s Keystone Region. “This investment underscores our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering businesses and residents with reliable Internet services.”

The target areas for the project is primarily in western and southern Washington County with big parts of Donegal, Blaine, Buffalo, East Finley, South Franklin, Morris, Amwell, and West Bethlehem townships, along with Marianna, as the focus. But there are also plots in Cecil, North Strabane, Chartiers and Mt. Pleasant townships that will benefit from the broadband expansion.

“The collaboration between Comcast, Washington County and the grant program is a testament to our dedication to progress and inclusivity,” Washington County Commissioner Chairman Nick Sherman said in a written statement. “This investment will not only bridge the digital gap in our county but will also pave the way for Washington County Municipal Authority educational opportunities, telehealth services, and economic growth. We are excited to witness the positive impact this initiative will have on our community for generations to come.”

County officials approved more than $60 million in multiple contracts since early 2022 to provide broadband service to about 7,500 unserved or underserved customers across Washington County. The installation costs have roughly been split evenly between the county using its ARPA money and the five different telecommunications companies that have been contracted to extend high-speed internet service through multiple phases.