The Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome will receive more than 272 million dollars

The Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome is getting a big boost in funding next year.

Mohawk Valley Edge, a business development agency, says the lab is a hidden gem and says this funding is critical to the lab's mission.

"I don't think most people realize the critical function that it plays for this country and for security and the cybersecurity realm," said Shawna Papale, Chief Administrative Officer at Mohawk Valley Edge.