State announces millions in funding for broadband effort

ALBANY, N.Y. — Municipalities across the region are set to receive millions of dollars to help achieve the state’s goal of 100 percent broadband coverage everywhere in New York.

In a series of news releases, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the New NY Broadband Program’s third round of grants would total $225.5 million and help pay for hundreds of miles of broadband wiring and infrastructure.

Funding totals include $691,000 for Onondaga County, nearly $7 million for Jefferson County, $4.8 million for Oneida County, just shy of $3 million for Broome County, and more than $1.6 million for Tompkins County.

“Access to high-speed internet has never been more important for New York residents and businesses,” Cuomo said in the release. “By leveraging state investments with private and federal funding, we are building a stronger, smarter and more competitive New York poised to lead the nation as the first state to achieve total connectivity.”

The state estimates that these grants will provide access to high-speed internet to nearly 60,000 homes and other locations from the Southern Tier to Northern New York.

Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com

BJNN file photo of Gov. Andrew Cuomo by Eric Reinhardt