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Salem supervisors approve "Broadband Ready" application to position township for funding
Summary
The Salem Township Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 25‑2024 to apply for the state's Broadband Ready Communities designation to prepare the township for future broadband grant funds; supervisors said the approval begins the required local steps such as permitting and public notice.
Salem Township supervisors voted unanimously Aug. 21 to file a "Broadband Ready Communities" application aimed at qualifying the township for future broadband funding.
The board approved Resolution No. 25‑2024 after Recreation Board and resident questions. Supervisor Bob Zundel said, "this is the beginning stages of the process to provide broadband services in the township where there isn't any," and Supervisor Kerry Jobe explained Salem was identified as one of roughly 20 Westmoreland County municipalities in need of broadband infrastructure. The resolution commits the township to certain preparatory steps—public notices at meetings, permitting processes for easements and adoption of supporting resolutions—so the municipality will be ready when state or federal funds are allocated.
The board did not set specific projects or dollar amounts in the resolution. Minutes note that the state received $1.6 billion under the American Rescue Plan Act for broadband programs several years ago, which Jobe cited in explaining why the township is preparing to qualify. The motion passed unanimously: Zundel, Trumbetta and Jobe voting for the measure.
The township indicated information about the Broadband Ready Program will be posted on the township website and that further public outreach will follow if and when application funding becomes available.
