As federal broadband money starts to flow into Pennsylvania, state officials have announced a series of “listening sessions” starting today for residents to learn just how that money will be implemented.

The effort is being initiated by the state’s Broadband Development Authority and the goal of the sessions is to provide an “opportunity to learn about the Authority, federal funding for broadband, and to hear about the important role they have in reviewing the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband access map,” according to a statement.

“The map’s accuracy is crucial for the commonwealth to receive sufficient federal funding to ensure high-speed internet access for all Pennsylvanians,” they assert.

“In today’s world, having access to high-speed internet is a necessity,” Brandon Carson, the authority’s executive director said. “Pennsylvanians need broadband access for school, work, and to ensure public safety, and it is critical that we close the digital divide across the commonwealth. The more accurate we can make the FCC map, the more we ensure we get a fair allocation of federal funding to expand broadband.”

A total of seven sessions are set and none are in Warren County. The closest are in Franklin on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. and Elk County on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

Those sessions, however, also allow for virtual participation. Information on how to participate in those sessions can be found on the Authority’s page at dced.pa.gov.

At least $100 million in federal funding is projected to come into the state from a federal infrastructure bill specifically for broadband on top of the millions that the county commissioners have said they intend to use to expand broadband service in the county.

The first of that $100 million minimum has come in the form of $6.6 million for a “Internet for All” federal initiative, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

“Pennsylvania’s lack of affordable, accessible broadband is one of the biggest challenges holding our economy back,” Gov. Tom Wolf. “This $6.6 million is the beginning of a generational change waiting for Pennsylvanians. With guidance from the Pennsylvania Broadband Authority, distribution will be carefully targeted for guaranteed progress.”

Roughly $5 million of that total is dedicated specifically for the expansion for high-speed internet while $1.6 million is from the Digital Equity Act that aims to ensure “all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the benefits of a digital economy.”

The funds will be administered by the state authority.