State Reps. Ben Sanchez and Melissa Cerrato announced on Thursday that the Upper Dublin Public Library will receive competitive grant funding from the state to develop its broadband internet.

Upper Dublin Township was awarded $500,000 from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to help fund technology enhancements to meeting rooms and hybrid study rooms, parking lot enhancements, including incorporating green space and maintaining a minimum 150 parking spaces, and auditorium enhancements including replacing energy-efficient lighting and expanding the stage.

The total cost of planned improvements is $2.4 million.

“This is great news from the administration, and I’m pleased that the board recognized Upper Dublin as a worthy recipient for funding,” said Sanchez, D-Montgomery. “The Upper Dublin Public Library is a true asset in our community, and this grant will help the library help more people.”

The PBDA Board of Directors approved the grants to eligible entities with public-facing facilities such as schools, local libraries, and community health centers to make improvements that will ensure people have free access to reliable, high-speed internet throughout a modern space.

“Reliable, high-speed internet and the space to use it are essential for students, job seekers, and workers alike,” said Cerrato, D-Montgomery. “Anyone looking for a way to grow their knowledge should have access to broadband the same way they have access to a public library. I’d like to thank the administration for awarding Upper Dublin this grant – it will keep costs down and services going.”

The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program grants — approved for 49 projects in 26 counties — will give people free, digital access in public places like schools, local libraries and community health centers.