(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Public Service Commission approved the awarding of 60 grants Tuesday totaling nearly $18-million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program.

Nebraska Public Service Commission Chairman Dan Watermeier said the funding will go a long way in the state's efforts to help make high speed broadband available to unserved and underserved  Nebraskans. 

The 60 grants awarded were submitted by 19 providers for a total of $17,771,964.  Certain applicants, whose applications were denied due to a challenge to only part of the project will be given a chance t apply for the remaining funding of just over $2-million.

Among those receiving funding was Pinpoint Communications, Inc. to serve  Nemaha County, Nebraska which will received $870,400 to serve 98 locations and  Peru will receive $150,597 to serve 88 locations.  

Windstream Nebraska, Inc.  will receive $61,114 to provide service to 205 locations in Union and $219,155 to provide broadband service to 857 locations in Wymore.  

In all, the grants will provide broadband service to 12,392 locations across Nebraska through 19 providers.