Salem Township board votes to pursue ‘Broadband Ready’ designation to qualify for funding

The Salem Township Board of Supervisors on Aug. 21 unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the township to apply for the state’s "Broadband Ready Communities" designation, a preparatory certification officials said will help Salem qualify for broadband funding.

The board’s action directs staff to follow the program’s requirements — including public notices, easement permitting and adopting enabling resolutions — so Salem will be ready when funds are allocated. Supervisor Kerry Jobe said Salem has been identified as one of the municipalities in Westmoreland County that lacks broadband and that the designation is the ‘‘beginning stages’’ of positioning the township for available money. Supervisors also noted the state has received roughly $1.6 billion in federal ARPA broadband funds earmarked for allocation.

Why it matters: Township officials said the designation helps streamline permitting and shows grantmakers that Salem has the local processes in place to deploy broadband infrastructure. Residents asked what the designation provides; township officials said it does not itself build infrastructure but makes the township eligible and better prepared when grant dollars become available.

What’s next: The board approved the resolution without debate. Staff said program materials and related information will be posted on the township website and that subsequent steps will include public meetings and coordinating permitting requirements so providers can move forward if funding is awarded.