X

North Country officials endorse Gov. Cuomo's outline for $1 billion broadband program

Posted 1/19/15

Two North Country Assembly members and one university president endorse, in principle, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s outline for a $1 billion broadband program aimed at ensuring every New Yorker has access …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

North Country officials endorse Gov. Cuomo's outline for $1 billion broadband program

Posted

Two North Country Assembly members and one university president endorse, in principle, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s outline for a $1 billion broadband program aimed at ensuring every New Yorker has access to high-speed internet by 2019.

“Many parts of my district have very limited access to broadband internet, and we all know access to high-speed internet is important to grow the economy and strengthen education,” said Marc Butler (R-Newport) of the 118th Assembly District, which includes the St. Lawrence County towns of Madrid, Norfolk, Stockholm, Parishville, Pierrepont, Clare, Colton, Clifton and Fine, plus Hamilton, Herkimer and Fulton counties plus part of Oneida County.

“I look forward to learning more details about the New NY Broadband Program in the coming days,” Butler said.

“I think it is a wise choice to use some of the windfall excess funds to help spur broadband internet infrastructure throughout Upstate New York,” said Ken Blankenbush (R-Black River) of 117th District, includes the towns of DeKalb, Gouverneur, Hermon, Russell, Edwards, Fowler and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County plus Lewis County and parts of Jefferson and Oneida counties.

“As with everything, I will be looking at how the New NY Broadband Program will be implemented and push further support here in the North Country and the Mohawk Valley,” he said.

“Governor Cuomo’s New NY Broadband program captures the very heart of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s recommendations to improve the climate for business development in the region by providing the necessary infrastructure to be and remain competitive in the 21st century,” said Clarkson University President Tony Collins, who is also co-chair of the NCREDC.

“With these investments, the North Country can truly be without boundaries and become the national model for transforming and sustaining largely rural economies,” he said.

He added, “As the host institution for the first Forever Wired Conferences that advocated for greater access to broadband to encourage commerce and entrepreneurship in ways that still preserved the heritage of the Adirondack Park for wildlife and recreation enthusiasts alike, Clarkson University was particularly excited to be at today’s announcement. Through the work of many people with a vision for the future, we are ready to open doors to improve our schools, create new telework jobs and expand global trade.”

Cuomo said he will create the $500 million New NY Broadband Program using money from bank settlements to help the private sector expand high-speed broadband access in underserved and unserved areas. Broadband providers and communities would use that funding to deliver service in a given area, with several conditions.