Armstrong's $16.5M fiber-optic project to connect 1,500 Butler homes

Fiber Optic Expansion to Boost Connectivity for Over 1,500 Locations in Butler County

Armstrong Telecommunications, Inc. to bring high-speed internet access to underserved areas in Butler County

Slippery Rock, PA – A significant step towards closing the digital divide in Pennsylvania commenced today as the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger and Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson joined forces with Armstrong Telecommunications, Inc. The collaborative effort marks the start of a $16.5 million fiber optic network expansion project in Butler County. The venture aims to deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to over 1,500 locations currently lacking connectivity.

Funded by a $12.5 million federal grant from the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) through the PBDA, this expansion will enhance internet services in the Slippery Rock Area and Moniteau school districts. These areas presently suffer from limited broadband availability, affecting student populations.

"Ensuring every Pennsylvanian has access to high-speed internet will lift up our communities, support our businesses, and make Pennsylvania’s economy more dynamic," stated DCED Secretary Rick Siger. He emphasized the Shapiro Administration's commitment to extending high-speed internet across all regions, from rural to urban areas.

The U.S. Treasury's Capital Projects Fund supports these initiatives by awarding grants for line extensions and regional infrastructure projects. The projects must meet or exceed speeds of 100 Megabits per second download and 20 Megabits per second upload upon completion.

In April 2024, the Shapiro Administration plans to allocate $204 million through the Broadband Infrastructure Program to 53 projects across 42 counties, aiming to connect over 100,000 residents to high-speed internet. This initiative involves a public-private partnership, which includes over $200 million in private investment, culminating in a $400 million total investment.

PBDA's Executive Director Brandon Carson remarked, "The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has been working quickly and diligently to address the access and connectivity issues impacting communities across the Commonwealth, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see this network expansion begin in Butler County."

Armstrong Telecommunications, a family-owned company founded in 1946 and headquartered in Butler, PA, has been recognized as the Public-Private Partner of the Year. The company's expansion aims to enhance the quality of life in Butler County through improved broadband connectivity, thereby supporting economic development and educational needs.

Jeff Ross, President of Armstrong Telecommunications, highlighted the significance of the Accessible Broadband for Children (ABC) program in the school districts, stating, "Our Accessible Broadband for Children (ABC) program in these two school districts are precisely the type of public-private partnerships which bring the necessary infrastructure empowering our children to connect to each other and the world."

Leslie Osche, Chairman of the Butler County Board of Commissioners, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort involving 19 municipalities, a state park, and Slippery Rock University, emphasizing the project's impact on economic growth and community vitality.

Under the Shapiro Administration, various initiatives have been undertaken by the PBDA:

• Awarded $45 million through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program to improve public facilities for work, education, and health monitoring.
• Developed a $20 million program to provide laptops to schools and libraries, enhancing internet accessibility for individuals.
• Secured over $1.16 billion in federal funding to expand broadband access across unserved and underserved areas.
• Approved a comprehensive five-year action plan to broaden internet access statewide.

For more information on the PBDA's efforts to bridge the digital gap, visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s website.