MIFFLIN COUNTY — A high-speed Internet project, made possible by a state grant and SEDA-Council of Governments’ assistance, will result in controlled recurring costs for the Mifflin County Solid Waste Authority and other benefits to its customers.
The project unifies the authority’s two business sites with a high-speed broadband network, enabling the use of cloud-based software applications and telephony. This will increase operational efficiencies, lower recurrent costs and provide the most current software versions at all times.
The $6,644 reimbursement grant covers a portion of the project, including construction costs of the fiber, the installation and setup of the technology, mail server and web page management, and a security enhancement so sites on the authority’s property can be remotely monitored. GME Communications conducted the site evaluation, and Nittany Media will extend the fiber to the authority’s facilities.
“The project is one of many stabilization factors to control future rate increases,” said Lisa Smith, authority director and Mifflin County recycling coordinator. “The authority had been constrained by a slower Internet speed due to lack of service in the area or cost challenges.”
The Mifflin County Solid Waste Authority is a key service provider in offering waste transfer and disposal services to Mifflin and Juniata counties’ residents and businesses, and in providing recycling services in Mifflin County. The authority is the agency delegated by Mifflin County to perform that county’s solid waste duties. It closed Barner Landfill in Derry Township in 2005, and opened its transfer station and recycling depot that year.
SEDA-Council of Governments was the agent for the authority’s grant application through the Pennsylvania Broadband Technical Assistance Program, which awarded grants through SEDA-COG’s Status of Broadband project.
“SEDA-COG’s staff worked diligently with the authority to help secure the grant before the funds were depleted,” Smith said.
Broadband is crucial for the viability of local communities by enabling business environments to thrive and encouraging increased economic development. SEDA-COG’s project seeks to show those who are unserved how to obtain a connection, and help those who already have broadband to maximize their use of it through training, publications, direct technical assistance and referrals.
The project is made possible by a state grant from the Broadband Outreach and Aggregation Fund, managed by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
