$5 million grant from ConnectAll's municipal infrastructure program energizes ErieNet expansion

Funding will allow additional network expansion of 42 miles, add numerous anchor institutions to further reinforce public safety

Submitted by the Press Secretary to the Erie County Executive

Erie County’s ErieNet initiative is receiving a significant funding boost as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of $52.6 million in state funding to be invested for broadband infrastructure projects statewide. ErieNet Local Development Corp. will receive $5.08 million to help expand the 400-mile open-access fiber network, adding 42 miles to its existing network and also adding 82 community anchor institutions including police, fire and emergency services.

“This additional funding will enhance public safety across Erie County and connect more residents to quality broadband,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said. “I thank Gov. Hochul and ConnectAll for providing this boost and investing in Erie County.”

Expansion of the ErieNet fiber network will bring greater connectivity to residents and businesses while securing reliable and safe fiber connections for emergency services throughout Erie County, the City of Buffalo and Lackawanna. This funding will also connect the county’s emergency services room located at the new Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park.

“This funding will be vital to our emergency services throughout Erie County,” ErieNet Executive Director Melissa Hartman said. “We are grateful to the ConnectAll office, Empire State Development and, of course, Gov. Hochul for this funding to expand access and help increase our secure fiber connections for public safety.”

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Empire State Development is proud to support Erie County in expanding ErieNet's open-access fiber network. This $5 million investment in middle-mile broadband infrastructure will strengthen public safety capabilities, support local communities, and provide the foundation for reliable, high-speed connectivity that drives economic growth and enhances quality of life for residents and businesses throughout the region."

ErieNet is a not-for-profit local development corporation, incorporated in September 2022, designed to provide stewardship for the construction and ongoing management of a municipal-based open-access fiber optic backbone that spans nearly 400 miles throughout Erie County. The LDC’s mission is to create a foundation to address the broadband needs of unserved and underserved areas of our community, which will ultimately enhance economic development opportunities and promote better quality of life across Erie County.

ErieNet Chairman Thomas Baines said, "This funding is a big win for Erie County. It means more people and businesses will finally get the reliable internet they need, and our police, fire and emergency teams will have the secure connections they depend on. We’re grateful to Gov. Hochul, the ConnectAll office, and Empire State Development for helping us move Erie County forward.”

The network is currently under construction and expects to be fully completed by mid- to late-2026 with parts of the network up and running in early 2026. For more information on the project, visit ErieNet middle mile dark fiber network.