“I am pleased to see that state lawmakers heeded our call and came to their senses on this irrational and restrictive fee,” Picente said in a news release. “With this unnecessary obstacle removed, Oneida and Herkimer [counties] can now move forward with the essential expansion of our broadband networks into underserved areas. This will ensure that our communities are able to connect to online services and are afforded better opportunities to thrive and succeed.”
“The elimination of the permit fee of $20,000 per mile on New York State highways will have a significant and positive impact on the build out of broadband in rural counties,” Bono added. “I applaud our state representatives and the governor for listening to their constituents and counterparts on the county level. The rescinding of the fee will make it more attractive for private investment and allow for more expansion opportunities for both our counties.”
Oneida and Herkimer counties recently completed a broadband assessment and mapping study, identified projects along with public and private partners, and are prepared to move forward to address the need in the two-county region.