State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, recently announced that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has provisionally awarded $84,766,560.18 to various internet providers throughout the region to expand broadband access.

“This funding will help bridge the digital divide and ensure our communities are well-connected to opportunities for economic growth, access to education, improved healthcare and everyday life.” Yaw said, according to a news release. “I’m incredibly pleased to see this significant investment in equitable broadband service in our region.”

Providers awarded funding include Amazon Kuiper, Central Bradford Progress Authority, Centre WISP Venture Co. LLC, Claverack Communications LLC, Comcast, Commonwealth Telephone Co. LLC, eCommunity Holdings LLC, IBT Group USA LLC, SpaceX, Upward Broadband LLC and Verizon.

The funding is part of Pennsylvania’s nearly $800 million allocation through the federally funded Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which represents a historic effort to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the Commonwealth.

The funds will be matched by the applicants, bringing the total investment to $169,533,120.

According to Yaw, the provisional award will help connect unserved and underserved households, schools and businesses. It will also support programs that make service more accessible for families, expand access to digital tools and resources and create new opportunities for workforce development and economic growth.