Northern Tier News

Cameron County has received a grant to upgrade its recreation center in Emporium, as announced by Rep. Martin Causer and Sen. Cris Dush. The grant of $266,534 was provided by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority under the Multi-Purpose Facilities Grant Program. The funds will be used to renovate the recreation center into a modern facility for local residents.

Rep. Martin Causer stated, "One of the goals of this grant program is to help expand access to broadband services, and the work at the rec center can make it a hub for people who may not have the service at home." He emphasized that this investment is valuable for the community.

Sen. Cris Dush added, "Without question, bridging the digital divide in rural areas such as Cameron County is an automatic game changer for families, schools, hospitals, local governments, main street small businesses, and homegrown industries, such as agriculture, forestry, and fossil fuel production." He highlighted that securing funding is essential for advancing affordable and reliable digital broadband projects.

The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It provides $45 million in competitive grants to community anchor institutions and local government units for public projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring at these facilities.