$16 million in Fed funds to expand broadband in upstate doesn’t include Orleans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $16,183,329 in federal funding to expand high-speed, broadband internet access throughout Upstate New York.
The money goes to expand high-speed internet in 14 counties, but doesn’t include Orleans.
The federal funding was administered through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Connect America Fund, which works to expand broadband deployment in underserved rural areas.
The number of locations that broadband internet will be expanded to 8,088 locations, including the following counties:
Allegany, 3,005; Cattaraugus, 2,883; Chemung, 162; Chenango, 1; Cortland, 4; Delaware, 519; Erie, 26; Livingston, 42; Otsego, 192; Schuyler, 36; Steuben, 693; Steuben, 164; Tioga, 285; Tompkins, 16; and Wyoming, 60.
“To build the vibrant Upstate New York economy of tomorrow that creates and sustains the jobs of the future, we must invest in high-speed internet access today, so that every Upstate home, school or small business gets—and stays—connected. This federal funding is a major victory for rural communities across the state and the over 8,000 businesses and homes that will be served by it,” said Senator Schumer in a news release. “With this multimillion-dollar investment, rural counties Upstate will finally have the resources needed to close the far-too-large digital gap. I’ll always fight tooth and nail to secure funding that brings our rural economies Upstate into the 21st century.”
“Everyone deserves reliable and fast internet access,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Families, workers, and businesses who can’t access broadband are cut off from critical services and economic opportunities – it’s a necessity in the 21st century economy. I was proud to fight to make sure this funding to expand broadband access for our rural communities would stay in New York. This funding is great news and it will help give more communities throughout Upstate New York greater ability to get online and stay competitive. I will continue working to ensure our communities have the resources they need to thrive.”
