Westmoreland broadband upgrades on track for completion, future projects eyed

Installation of about 50 miles of fiber optic cable needed for high-speed internet access in remote areas of Westmoreland County is about 60% complete, officials said Tuesday.

The $3.5 million project is expected to be finished by year’s end. The work is part of an ongoing effort to bring broadband service to the more than 3,500 homes and businesses currently without reliable internet access.

Commissioners last year voted to allocate $1.7 million toward the project. Verizon signed on to install the infrastructure needed for broadband access to about 420 properties in Derry, Fairfield and Ligonier townships. County officials say about 30 miles of cable is installed. Work is ahead of schedule, according to the county.

“The installation of reliable broadband infrastructure to these rural communities will help residents access the jobs they want, education resources and support economic growth. We are excited to see residents finally receiving the broadband access they deserve,” county Commissioner Sean Kertes said.

More upgrades are expected as the county attempts to tap into the $1.16 billion in federal funds allocated to Pennsylvania for broadband upgrades.

County officials are expected to pass a resolution this summer to pave the way for each local municipality to apply for special certification under the state’s Broadband Ready Communities program. The communities could qualify for possible future infrastructure upgrades.

County Planning Director Jason Rigone said municipalities will have until the end of September to apply for certifications that will brand them as ready to accommodate future broadband projects. This is a precursor to potential new upgrades pitched by internet providers and funded through state and federal grants.

“We’re here to support our communities. This will ensure our municipalities have the policies and procedures in place for all future applications of (broadband funding),” Rigone said.

As part of a $616,800 amended contract commissioners approved late last year with Michael Baker International, the company will help municipalities submit applications for the broadband certifications. The company has served as the county’s lead consultant since 2022 to study and plan broadband upgrade projects.

Commissioners have allocated $10 million in American Rescue Plan funds for broadband upgrades in the county.