Core Connect awarded major BEAD funding to bring fiber to more than 10,000 units in northwest Pennsylvania

Chair reported that Core Connect, a nonprofit open-access broadband organization, has received final approval under the federal BEAD program and an award reported in the meeting as $90,661,771 from the NTIA and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to connect more than 10,000 units across Cameron, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Lawrence, Warren and other counties.

The chair said the project will build future‑proof fiber infrastructure to support small businesses, rural households and regional economic development. “By building future‑proof infrastructure, Core Connect is positioning Northwest PA to adapt to evolving technologies and needs,” the chair said. The chair added that the open‑access model will promote local economic growth and aim to ensure rural and low‑income households are not left behind.

County officials did not provide detailed timelines or a contractor list during the report; the chair described the award as encouraging and said that now the hard work begins with the build‑out and coordination across jurisdictions. The board did not take a separate formal vote on the BEAD award itself during this meeting; the announcement was part of the chair’s report and next steps were described as implementation and coordination.