CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Area residents and businesses are encouraged to come share their thoughts on Broadband Internet Access in Clarion at a public open house on Monday, March 27, at 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall (second floor), 530 Main St., in Clarion.
“This meeting will strategize ways for Clarion’s residents, businesses, and regional partners to implement and make the most of highly speed Internet access,” said Mayor Dan Parker.
“Come provide input and share your ideas with Clarion’s community leaders. Representatives from Smart growth America — National experts in community development — will also be present to answer your questions and provide insight into success stories from around the country.”
Clarion was selected as one of only a few communities for the Federal Cool and Connected program that seeks to promote community planning for economic vitality, environmental protection, and public health by taking advantage of new or enhanced telecommunications service. The program is sponsored in part by the U.S. Department Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Topics that will be covered include:
- Revitalizing downtown through leveraging broadband and Wi-Fi technologies.
- Attracting new businesses to downtown.
- Leveraging broadband and Wifi to increase visitors and tourist traffic to Clarion.
Generating consensus on goals that can be accomplished within the next several years.
Participants will include, according to Parker, representatives from community agencies, organizations, elected officials, residents, and a technical assistance team with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. The team includes facilitators from Smart Growth America and Broadband Catalysts who have been contracted by the EPA to help facilitate this engaging community planning process.
The event is open to the public and RSVPs can be made at https://clarioncoolandconnected.eventbrite.com.
