Forest County commissioners on Wednesday approved a resolution authorizing the county’s application for coronavirus-related CARES funds.
Commissioner Bob Snyder said the county expects to receive about $1 million in CARES money.
The plan is to use the funds to expand rural broadband in the county, Snyder said.
They don’t know if the money must be spent and contracts in place by November or if the projects such as towers for broadband must be up by then, Snyder said.
Snyder said the plan at this point is to collaborate with surrounding counties to improve rural broadband access.
“The infrastructure is in place here, we have towers in Forest County,” Snyder said. “Improving rural broadband in the county would impact education, economic development and 911 communication,” he added.
“A problem is families with four kids in school affording the broadband once it is available,” commissioner Mark Kingston said.
Kingston and Snyder both said another goal is making broadband more affordable for county residents, especially families with children in school.
In other business Wednesday, the commissioners announced they have hired Karen Wenner of Oil City as the county’s new director of community and economic development.
Kingston said Wenner formerly worked for Venango County in a similar capacity to what her duties will be in Forest County. She also worked for Venango Catholic High School, Kingston said.
“She has done a lot of grant writing. I think she will do a good job,” Kingston said.
Snyder agreed as he noted Wenner’s experience.