Harkins, Merski: Nearly $700,000 secured to improve broadband access in Erie County

Additional funding will bolster project total to over $920,000

ERIE, April 19 – The availability of reliable, high-speed broadband access across Erie County received a big boost thanks to funding from the Broadband Infrastructure Program totaling nearly $700,000, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today.

The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority which aims to expand the availability of high-speed internet for all Pennsylvanians in an effort to close the digital divide.

“It is our duty to bridge the digital divide and invest in infrastructure that will carry our commonwealth into a future where everyone can thrive in a digitally connected society,” Harkins said.

“In today's rapidly evolving world, the availability of high-speed internet is not just a convenience, it is a vital resource that fuels innovation, education and economic growth,” Merski said.

The full list of recipients through this round of funding is available here.

Additional funding from Windstream Pennsylvania LLC will bring total project funding to over $920,000.