The ongoing debate surrounding the high-speed internet fiber optic project in Corry, Pennsylvania, spearheaded by Impact Corry, has reached a critical juncture. This project aims to provide internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second to all local households and businesses, significantly surpassing current broadband standards. Currently, over $1 million in funding is at risk due to recent political decisions.
Impact Corry has raised $2,249,940 over 22 months through various donations and government funds without utilizing taxpayer dollars. Chuck Gray from Impact Corry and Dr. Matt Platz of the Corry Higher Education Council highlighted the project’s necessity for Corry’s economic future, warning of further economic decline without digital integration.
The project promises to address pressing connectivity issues that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when 40% of students couldn’t access the internet. Frequent outages and inadequate service continue to affect residents and local businesses, who face operational challenges due to insufficient broadband speeds.
Dr. Platz stressed the project’s importance for workforce development, noting potential benefits such as bringing 300 remote cybersecurity jobs to the area. However, political complications have emerged, including the Corry City Council’s decision to reallocate $250,000 of Erie County funds to a stormwater project. This move, along with the termination of the city’s lead applicant status for an $875,000 federal grant, threatens the project’s future.
Despite setbacks, Impact Corry continues efforts to salvage the project, emphasizing its potential to revitalize the community. As Corry stands at this pivotal digital crossroads, the decisions made in the coming months will be crucial. High-speed fiber internet could be a transformative initiative for Corry, promising significant economic and social benefits if implemented. The urgency and critical nature of the upcoming decisions highlight the high stakes involved in securing Corry’s digital future.
