LEWISTOWN — On the heels of Thursday’s notification that Mifflin County will receive a $1,644,720 grant award through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) COVID-19 ARPA Pennsylvania Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, the county commissioners reacted to the news.

“The Mifflin County Commissioners are thrilled to be selected for this highly competitive funding award,” said Commissioner Rob Postal. “This funding will allow for continued renovations to the Mifflin County Library building in Lewistown, which will transform into the Mifflin County Community Learning Center upon completion of the project,” added Postal.

Using the PBDA funding, Mifflin County will expand and renovate the existing Mifflin County Library building, which was originally constructed in 1973. The planned interior and exterior renovations and additions, Phase 2 of a comprehensive effort to transform the facility into the Mifflin County Community Learning Center, will provide additional space, enhanced functionality, and improved aesthetics for library patrons and Penn State Extension users.

Phase 1 of the larger renovation and expansion effort, which is currently underway, was funded through a PA Department of Education Keystone Grant for Public Library Facilities grant and contributions from Mifflin County.

The Mifflin County Commissioners all extend their utmost gratitude to Senator Judy Ward and Representative Kerry Benninghoff, both of whom were instrumental in securing the PBDA grant funding for the project.

“We would like to thank Senator Judy Ward and Representative Kerry Benninghoff for their staunch advocacy of our request for PBDA grant funding,” said Commissioner Kevin Kodish. “Mifflin County would not be a recipient of this funding without their strong support for enhancing our community facilities in Mifflin County and advocating for the interests of our residents,” he added.

Mifflin County Library is an essential community facility that provides access to vital resources for community members, including broadband internet connectivity and publicly accessible computers.

“In 2023, Mifflin County Library served 36,363 library patrons, lent 54,076 books, answered 9,640 reference questions, and facilitated 2,202 wireless connections,” noted Commissioner Noah Wise.

Wise also noted the role of the Penn State Extension in offering educational resources and opportunities, including the Mifflin County 4-H Program, Master Gardeners Program, business assistance for agricultural producers, home gardening and conservation courses and technical assistance, and diet and nutrition programs.

“The Mifflin County Community Learning Center will truly be a hub of connectivity and educational enrichment” Wise added.

Construction on Phase 2 of the project is anticipated to begin in early 2025, with construction concluding in early 2026.