Courtesy of John Timney Broadband internet is installed in Washington County in this undated photo.
Increasing broadband access remains key for Washington County Authority By Rick Shrum The Washington County Authority has had many focuses during its 72 years of oversight in the local community. Land development was a major initiative a few years ago, featuring the continued buildout of Southpointe I and II, which transformed the mixed-use park in Cecil Township into a vibrant mega-park. There also was the construction of the correctional facility. John Timney is steering the Authority toward a new identity. “It’s more on telecommunications space now,” said the organization’s executive director, who succeeded Bill Sember in that position. “It’s not just for residents, but businesses too. A lot of places have had no service at all.”
Timney has been on the job for two years. He occupies an office at 100 W. Beau St. in downtown Washington and works with a board of seven. “Our board is very sophisticated, very diverse and very experienced. Their eyes are pretty wide open on what we could be doing.” He said the Authority is now “working on projects in five unserved areas by implementing fiber to impact 7,500 people over the next 24 months.” These would be projects that have been awarded, are in contract negotiation or permitting, are in physical construction or are done.
“If Aunt Betty Smith calls and complains about her lack Broadband now highlights a broad list of Authority projects, and for of connectivity, she’s your boss.” good reason. A formidable number of residents, businesses and commutThe Authority has embarked on several projects since ers across this rural county’s 861 square miles are either unserved or unit started a broadband initiative in January 2022 – four derserved because of poor internet connection. The sparsely populated months after Timney was hired. At that time, the organiwestern half of Washington County, especially, has been affected. zation partnered with Hickory Telephone Co. to kick off a pilot project that would provide high-speed internet to 50 homes and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. The Authority followed up on that success later that year, working with DQE Communications in towns along Route 40 in eastern Washington County. Then, less than a week before Christmas, Timney conducted an internet speed test at the Century Inn in underserved Scenery Hill that merited a passing grade and cheers from a small crowd watching it unfold. About eight months later, the Authority undertook a high-profile project: the 225th annual Washington County Fair. Telecommunications issues have historically beset the fairgrounds in Chartiers Township. Those issues were alleviated this August thanks to a collaboration of the Authority, Verizon, DQE and a group of local organizations. Courtesy of John Timney John Timney, executive director of the Washington County Authority 20 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023
