Press Releases

Honesdale, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright welcomed the release of $148,750 from the Appalachian Regional Commission to the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) to expand broadband internet access in Wayne County.

“This is a big win for the residents of Wayne County,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Too many households and businesses have long felt the impact of our nation’s digital divide and haven’t been able to support their education, health care and employment in ways many of us take for granted. This project is mission critical now that more and more of us are counting on reliable internet during this health and economic crisis. I will continue to help this team of engaged community leaders put their plans into action.”

“It is more important now than ever to see our broadband capabilities expanded. With increased numbers of people at home trying to work and receive an education, the lack of broadband access in our county is even more apparent. We very much appreciate the efforts of our congressional delegation and our economic development organizations for the role they played in helping Wayne County obtain this grant,” said Wayne County Commissioners Brian W. Smith, Joseph W. Adams and Jocelyn Cramer in a joint statement.

“The state of the world today tells us how critical it is that all communities have access to affordable broadband,” said WEDCO Executive Director Mary Beth Wood. “We are grateful to the Appalachian Regional Commission, PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Congressman Matt Cartwright, Senator Pat Toomey, Senator Bob Casey for their support, and to NEPA Alliance for their assistance with the grant application. The Wayne County Commissioners and our county partners are taking an aggressive approach to developing telecommunication infrastructure because of the urgency shared by our businesses and residents, particularly those in unserved and underserved areas.”

With these funds, the Wayne Economic Development Corporation will purchase two data routers to serve as meet points for providers to hook into the intra-county/internet network. This will enable last-mile providers to access middle-mile facilities and offer increased internet access throughout the county. WEDCO expects 15 businesses and 100 households to have increased access as a result of this project.

WEDCO is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating jobs and improving the prosperity of the citizens of Wayne County, Pennsylvania, and is comprised of businesses in partnership with state, county and municipal governments.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Established by an act of Congress in 1965, ARC is composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the president. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts.