Expanding Broadband Access

Public Hearing on Expanding Broadband Access in Rural Pennsylvania

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For Immediate Release
February 12, 2021

HARRISBURG - The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, chaired by Sen. Gene Yaw, will hold a virtual public hearing on Thursday, February 18, beginning at 10 a.m., to learn more about the efforts to expand broadband access in rural Pennsylvania, with a focus on the role of electric cooperatives, economic development entities, and educational organizations.

"We know there are some challenges to deploying broadband in rural areas, but there are some great local initiatives, such as Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative's Tri-Co Connections, that are working to close the digital divide," Sen. Yaw said. "This hearing will highlight the work of Tri-Co Connections and other local initiatives to provide insights into how they are helping their rural communities get connected."

Presenters scheduled for the public hearing are: Craig Eccher, President and CEO Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative and Tri-Co Connections; Rachel Hauser, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Economic Development, Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative; Aaron Young, Chief Operating Officer, Tri-Co Connections; Bill Gerski, Senior Vice President Marketing and Business Development, Tri-Co Connections; Dr. Michele Moore, Executive Director, Potter County Education Council; Kristin Hamilton, Executive Director, Develop Tioga; and Jed Hamberger, Superintendent, Oswayo Valley School District. Presenters scheduled for the public hearing are: Craig Eccher, President and CEO Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative and Tri-Co Connections; Rachel Hauser, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Economic Development, Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative; Aaron Young, Chief Operating Officer, Tri-Co Connections; Bill Gerski, Senior Vice President Marketing and Business Development, Tri-Co Connections; Dr. Michele Moore, Executive Director, Potter County Education Council; Kristin Hamilton, Executive Director, Develop Tioga; and Jed Hamberger, Superintendent, Oswayo Valley School District.

In addition to Sen. Yaw, Center Board members are: Board Vice Chairman Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski; Board Secretary Dr. Nancy Falvo, Clarion University of Pennsylvania; Board Treasurer Stephen Brame, Governor's representative; Sen. Katie Muth; Rep. Dan Moul; Dr. Timothy Kelsey, Pennsylvania State University; Dr. Catherine Koverola, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford; Shannon Munro, Pennsylvania College of Technology; Dr. Joseph Nairn, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College; Dr. Charles Patterson, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania; and Darrin Youker, Governor's representative.

The public hearing will be held via Zoom Webinar.