More than $13.4 million in federal funding has been awarded to expand broadband access in Erie County.

The funding is through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Broadband providers will use it to expand service in parts of Erie County that still don't have reliable high-speed internet.

“This investment is a major step toward closing the digital divide in Erie County,” Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) said. His office made the announcement Friday.
“Reliable broadband is essential for education, healthcare, economic growth, and everyday life, and I’m proud to see these resources being directed to the residents of our community.”

Amazon Kupier, Armstrong Telecommunications Inc., CoreConnect, and SpaceX are the providers who got the award.

They have to be approved by the federal government before they can move forward.