From Staff Reports
Beaver County is taking steps to secure reliable internet access for all residents and business owners.
The county’s Office of Planning and Redevelopment is partnering with engineering firm Michael Baker International to perform a survey of fixed and mobile broadband availability at multiple locations throughout Beaver County. The survey will determine what locations lack access to high-speed connectivity; two survey teams driving Michael Baker International vehicles will be performing the inventory beginning May 10.
“The (Federal Communications Commission) on paper says the county is covered, but we already know there are about 2,000 households in Beaver County that do not have access,” said Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning at a recent work session. “We do know that for some of those that are covered and do have access it’s really not reliable.”
A community-driven program that s what the county needed.
Something with teeth and grit. A program that gives a voice to the voiceless. One that residents and leaders alike could really get behind.
Lance Grable found it.
As director of the Beaver County Office of Planning and Redevelopment, he s always looking for ways to create avenues for community empowerment and success.
A few years back, he attended a conference with some of his colleagues. There, he listened to a presentation called Community Heart and Soul.
He was intrigued. So he attended another meeting, and then another.
After getting the go-ahead from the county commissioners, Grable filled out an application for the Community Heart and Soul program a community development model, accompanied by a grant, and spearheaded by residents.