May 2026 Newsletter
I Date: May, 2026 I Full PDF can be downloaded here
What’s New!
USDA Community Connect Grants Open - Due 6/29/2026
“… What does this program do?
The Community Connect Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist.
Eligible applicants include:
Incorporated organizations
Federally-recognized Tribes
State and local units of government
Any other legal entity, including cooperatives, private corporations, or limited liability companies organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis...”
Capital Project Fund Grant Extension Announced
“…There is a glimmer of hope that internet service providers that won state grants that were funded from the Capital Project Fund can get an extension of six months to complete grant construction. The Capital Project Fund was created by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act and provided almost $10 billion to states and territories for making broadband-related grants. The program was administered by the Department of the Treasury, which gave block grants to States. Each State then made awards through State Broadband grant programs to ISPs….
…On May 6, the Department of the Treasury updated the Coronavirus Capital Project Fund FAQs. The update includes a process where some projects can get an extension to complete construction for six months, until June 30, 2027…”
About Us
Who we are
ECC Technologies was incorporated in 1995 to provide technology and communications consulting services to Educational, Community, and Corporate (ECC) clients. This was at the time when the nation’s telecom- communications industry was changing drastically through deregulation.
For the past several decades, ECC has provided technology, broadband, and security consulting services to education, municipalities, government, and corporate clients.
ECC continues our mission to assist clients with the expansion of broadband and the implementation of technology and security solutions in communities to improve economic development, public safety, education, and health- care services.
Success Stories - ErieNet Sales, Marketing, and Operations Support
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About
The 400-mile network backbone will connect all viable municipal entities, as well as key community anchor institutions (CAIs), such as business, educational, and healthcare entities. In addition, the network will be available to any viable entity in Erie County that wishes to subscribe to the network.
ECC Technologies conducted the initial study for the open-access network on behalf of Erie County in 2017. We also developed the business plan in which Erie County will operate the nearly 400-mile middle-mile fiber-optic network.
"Our firm is now 100% accountable for the success of this project," - ECC Technologies Vice President Matthew Crider
"This is a significant undertaking for the county," said ErieNet Chairman Thomas Baines. "I think the outcome is really what's most important."
How to get connected
If you would like to learn more about the network and how to get your community connected contact Mike Vogt at:
Email: mvogt@ecctec.com Phone: 585.704.8448 Website: www.erienet.com