Westmoreland Review

Rep. Eric Davanzo of Westmoreland announced that the Sewickley Township Library has secured a grant from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) to establish a new facility. The library had previously moved to a smaller location in February 2023, which resulted in two-thirds of its printed materials being stored away.

Davanzo stated, "The Sewickley Township Library is a resource for many people and, amazingly, they have kept offering programs by partnering with other nonprofits. But it is time for folks to have a library facility that meets their needs." He further explained his proactive approach: "Upon hearing the details and vision of this project, I immediately opened communications with the PBDA, knowing they would see the same potential I did."

The $1 million grant comes from the PBDA’s Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program and is funded by the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These grants support community institutions in constructing or improving facilities that are accessible to the public and facilitate work, education, and health monitoring.

The new library will not only bring back its programs but also include dedicated computer spaces for online education, job interviews, or telehealth appointments. Davanzo highlighted the importance of internet access: "Access to high-speed internet has become a significant concern for rural Pennsylvanians and this project is just one of the ways we can fill the gap." He added, "This is precisely the purpose of this grant program, and it is great to see this come together."