The installation of a roughly 50-mile fiber-optic cable needed to provide high-speed Internet access to remote areas of Westmoreland County is about 60 percent complete, officials said Tuesday.
The $3.5 million project is expected to be completed by year’s end and is part of an ongoing effort to provide broadband service to the more than 3,500 homes and businesses that currently lack reliable internet access.
The commission voted last year to allocate $1.7 million to the project. Verizon committed to installing the infrastructure needed for broadband access to about 420 properties in Derry, Fairfield and Ligonier communities. County officials say about 30 miles of cable have been laid. The work is proceeding ahead of schedule, according to the county.
“Installing reliable broadband infrastructure in these rural communities will give residents access to the jobs and educational resources they desire and support economic growth. We are pleased that residents will finally get the broadband access they deserve,” said County Commissioner Sean Kertes.
More improvements are expected as the county seeks to take advantage of the $1.16 billion in federal funds allocated to Pennsylvania for broadband improvements.
County officials are expected to pass a resolution this summer that would allow any community to apply for special certification under the state’s Broadband Ready Communities program. Communities could then qualify for possible future infrastructure improvements.
Jason Rigone, the county’s planning director, said communities have until the end of September to apply for certificates designating them as ready for future broadband projects, a precursor to possible new upgrades proposed by internet providers and funded by state and federal grants.
“We are here to support our communities. This will ensure that our communities have the necessary policies and procedures in place for all future applications (for broadband funding),” Rigone said.
Under an amended $616,800 contract that commissioners approved with Michael Baker International late last year, the company will help municipalities submit applications for broadband certifications. The company has served as the county’s lead consultant in studying and planning broadband upgrade projects since 2022.
The commissioners have allocated $10 million in American Rescue Plan funds for broadband expansion in the county.
Rich Cholodofsky is a TribLive reporter covering Westmoreland County government, politics and courts. Reach him at [email protected].
