BEAD is a federal grant program that provides states with funding to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect residents to the Internet.
Eligible applicants include cooperative organizations, nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, and Internet service providers registered through the Federal Communications Commission.
"No matter where you live in the Commonwealth, having reliable access to high-speed Internet is crucial — which is why programs like BEAD ensure that more Pennsylvanians can work, learn, and access the health care they need," Carson said. "With support from local government leaders and other partners, we are ready to invest in the infrastructure that will close the digital divide and deliver long-term benefits to communities across Pennsylvania."
Carson said this is the final round for applications, which provides 14 days for eligible entities to apply for funds to construct high-speed Internet networks in the Commonwealth through PBDA's BEAD program. Following this round, the PBDA will evaluate the applications and provide a final proposal outlining each of the selected recipients and projects.
This final proposal will be open for public comment for seven days prior to its submission to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. PBDA will announce the final awards later this year after they are accepted by the NTIA.
Funds can be used for physical improvements; long-term leases; multi-family residential deployment; planning, design and engineering; personnel costs; and network software upgrades.
There is no minimum or maximum grant amount for any project — projects require a minimum 25% share of the total project cost in matching funds.
The BEAD program, established in accordance with the NTIA's Notice of Funding Opportunity, NTIA's BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, and Act 96 of 2021, utilizes funds allocated to Pennsylvania through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
DEPARTMENT OF AGING PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL CENTER TO REFRAME AGING
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced this week that it has partnered with the National Center to Reframe Aging — the leading organization dedicated to ending ageism in America — to explore ways to promote and strengthen Pennsylvania's 400-plus Senior Community Centers as vibrant, in-person community hubs that connect older adults to vital resources, services and broader community life.
PDA and NCRA will collaborate with SCC leaders and key organizations to reframe communications about SCCs with the goal of increasing public awareness and appreciation of what they offer — and investment in the SCCs as a key player in what the future of aging will look like in Pennsylvania. This partnership is a key tactic in Aging Our Way, PA — Pennsylvania's 10-year multi-sector plan on aging that was designed to meet the needs and preferences of older adults across the Commonwealth.
"Pennsylvania's Senior Community Centers are a focal point in our communities and an essential part of daily life for the older adults they serve," said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. "A center may provide the only interaction that an older adult has some days. Despite playing a vital role in the health and well-being of older adults, perceptions of these centers are often shaped by stereotypes. When we developed Aging Our Way, PA, we listened to people in all 67 counties in the Commonwealth about the desire to reimagine our centers."
As part of the collaboration, PDA and NCRA have convened an advisory panel composed of older adults and professionals working in the Senior Community Center (SCC) space to help guide the process. The Department will also engage center leaders and older adults who use the centers to gather input on the current state of SCCs.
The more than 400 Area Agency on Aging-affiliated Senior Community Centers throughout Pennsylvania welcome thousands of older adults through their doors each day, offering nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, exercise programs and more.
IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION SHRED EVENT SET FOR JULY 26
State Rep. Jim Haddock, state Sen. Marty Flynn, the Duryea Police Department, Duryea Crime Watch and Hughestown Crime Watch invite residents to protect themselves from identity theft during a Community Shred Day.
The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 26, at Healey Playground, Wright Street and Foote Avenue in Duryea.
"A company will be on hand to securely destroy the sensitive materials, giving people the peace of mind that their personal information cannot and will not end up in the wrong hands," said Haddock, D-Pittston Township.
Haddock said items to shred include old bills, bank statements, medical records, canceled checks, old tax returns or any documents that people would like to be permanently destroyed.
There is a limit of two boxes of documents per household. Staples or paperclips do not need to be removed, but documents should be taken out of binders and notebooks.
Anyone with questions may call Haddock's office at 570-655-4883.
SENIOR EXPO FOR 117TH DISTRICT RESIDENTS SET FOR AUG. 12
Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free Senior Expo on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Misericordia University's Insalaco Hall, 301 Lake St., Dallas.
The expo will feature more than 30 vendors offering information and services for seniors. Several breakout sessions will be held on topics like estate planning, Area Agency on Aging programs, Silver Sneakers chair yoga, low-income taxpayer assistance information, cyber security and fraud bingo. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department will also be in attendance to help constituents search for unclaimed property.
Free hearing tests and light refreshments will be available.
"My upcoming Senior Expo will connect older adults in the community with services, programs and opportunities at no cost to them," said Walsh. "I hope to see many constituents take advantage of this event. I am looking forward to catching up with those I serve at the expo."
For information about the expo, call Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000.
WALSH TO HOST CONCEALED CARRY SEMINAR JULY 31
Walsh also invites constituents from the 117th Legislative District to attend his upcoming concealed carry seminar.
The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in Cornerstone Bible Church, 208 Church Road, Nescopeck. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The seminar will be presented by Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce. Attendees will learn about Pennsylvania's Castle Doctrine and the process for acquiring a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
"This is a great opportunity for constituents interested in concealed carrying to learn more about the process of getting a permit and the laws in our state," said Walsh. "The right to bear arms is clearly spelled out in the Pennsylvania and United States constitutions. I hope people take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about Pennsylvania's laws, so they can be effective advocates for our rights and confident in their ability to legally defend themselves."
To register or ask a question about the seminar, contact Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000, or his Sugarloaf office at 570-359-2138.
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