Young announces broadband grant for Finnegan Rec Center

Rep. Regina Young October 18, 2024 | 10:30 AM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – As part of the commonwealth’s effort to increase access to internet resources in all communities, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has awarded a $1 million grant to the Office of Innovation and Technology in the city of Philadelphia for technological infrastructure improvements to create a southwest digital access hub at the Finnegan Rec Center in Southwest Philadelphia.

“Too many people and families in our area are lacking in affordable access to the internet in their homes,” Young explained. “Creating this hub at Finnegan will allow kids to more easily complete their studies, folks to search for employment, and more to be involved in our digitalized society without having to rely on community centers and nonprofits for access.”

The project will build a 21st century computer lab, enabling educational, work and health monitoring programs to become accessible to the approximately 29,000 residents surrounding the center.

The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority administers the Facilities Program in accordance with U.S. Treasury guidelines and Act 96 of 2021.