Shapiro touts funding for broadband internet access | News, Sports, Jobs

Gov. Josh Shapiro revisited Johnstown, the community where he launched his gubernatorial campaign, to spotlight a $2 million grant awarded to the Cambria County Library in October. During a press conference at the library Tuesday, Shapiro emphasized his administration’s commitment to delivering “common sense solutions” to address pressing issues.

Shapiro stressed the importance of affordable, high-speed internet, calling it a necessity rather than a luxury. “My promise to you when I stood before you and launched my campaign in Johnstown … was that I was going to make your problems my priorities,” Shapiro said, addressing local officials, library staff, and board members. “We know that this is a community that needs and deserves a lot of investment.”

The grant, funded through a portion of Pennsylvania’s $279 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act, will support a major renovation of the library’s first floor. According to Ashley Flynn, the library’s executive director, the project will include the addition of various-sized focus rooms equipped with technology for private Zoom meetings and telehealth visits. The library will also introduce cutting-edge computer and learning labs offering hands-on programming opportunities for all ages.

Flynn described the funding as transformative, enabling the library to fulfill a critical need: private spaces for community members to meet with service providers. Currently, such meetings occur in public areas, but the renovation will provide secure, private rooms equipped with up-to-date technology. “This critical funding will make some of our dreams a reality with a lasting impact,” Flynn said. “We envision businesses, students, social service providers and more will be benefiting from these multifunctional spaces.”

State Rep. Frank Burns, who introduced Flynn to the grant program, highlighted the library’s role in addressing poverty through education. “We’ve got to get these kids in here,” Burns said. “We’ve got to get books in their hands. We’ve got to get them using devices at an early age so they can crawl their way out (of poverty). That’s what we’re trying to do here.”

Shapiro praised libraries as “magical places” deserving investment and credited Pennsylvania’s rapid progress in mapping community needs, securing funding, and initiating construction to local leaders’ proactive efforts.

Following the press conference, Shapiro engaged with Johnstown City Mayor Frank Janakovic, councilwoman Marie Mock, Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar, and county commissioners Tom Chernisky and Keith Rager before taking photos with library staff.

“It’s very meaningful for all of us to see all of the hard work we’ve been putting in over the last few years gain such momentum and have us on such a positive trajectory,” Flynn said. “The lasting impact for our community is beyond compare.”