SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Representatives from Armstrong Cable in Grove City spoke to Slippery Rock Township supervisors about the possibility of expanding broadband internet to sections of the municipality at Monday’s meeting.

The potential service upgrade is being explored due to Slippery Rock Area School District’s use of online learning, according to supervisors.

Renee Uram, general manager of the Armstrong location, said certain parts of the township have not received broadband internet because installing the service would not have been cost effective.

With township supervisors considering the use of American Rescue Plan funds for the potential expansion, Armstrong revisited parts of Branchton Road, Pleasure Valley Lane and Smith Valley Road.

“If you’re willing to put some of that money toward bringing the service to those areas, there are 35 residences and two businesses along Branchton that could be added,” Uram said. “If you’re willing to use ARPA funding, that’s where we’d start talking and negotiating cost.”

Sixty-two homes over the course of 6 miles are being considered during the expansion.

Supervisor Paul Dickey said via a video call that the supervisors contacted Armstrong about the expansion in January.

“The main purpose of this internet expansion would be for schoolchildren who have to be schooled from home,” he said. “If there’s one household with a child in it, it’s worth it.”

The township expects a third round of more than $320,000 in American Rescue Plan funds in July. The supervisors received that same amount the first two times the funds were distributed.

Uram said Armstrong’s next step is to break the cost of the expansion down by each road suggested.

“This is not something that can happen overnight,” she said. “We’re willing to work with (the township) if this this is the route (they) want to take.”

Dickey also mentioned that citizens requested a speed study be done on Route 108 from the Slippery Rock Borough line to the Slippery Rock Township line. PennDOT performed the test and the road was deemed not warranted for a speed limit reduction. The speed limit will remain the same.

In addition, an evaluation of a possible compression release engine (Jake Brake) ordinance was found to be not warranted.

The next township supervisors meeting will take place at 8 p.m. July 11.