State Budget Includes $500 Million Investment in Broadband Infrastructure
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) announced on Monday that the state budget includes a $500 million investment in upgrading New York’s broadband infrastructure.
“The state’s investment in this critical piece of 21st century infrastructure will help spur job creation, improve education and attract residents,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. ” I will continue to work closely with our local communities to ensure that high-speed broadband becomes a reality for our entire region.
“Economic development in our region is contingent on having the tools necessary to compete in the global environment and we will work with Assemblyman Santabarbara to bring those assets here,” said Montgomery County Business Development Center CEO Ken Rose.
“The budget’s investment in broadband is critical for the upstate region and I look forward to working closely with Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara to ensure this funding benefits communities like ours,” said Berne Supervisor Kevin Crosier.
Access to high-speed broadband requires attention in the 111th Assembly District, with almost half the area lacking access to the state’s minimum download speed of 6.5 Mbps1. Additionally, access to download speeds of 100 Mbps, which is regarded by most economic experts as the minimum speed needed for economic growth, is almost non-existent2 .
Assemblyman Santabarbara and his office have been working with local elected officials, community organizations and individuals to gauge the broadband needs in the 111th Assembly District. To help localities compete for the funds, Santabarbara and his office will engage his constituents in regional hearings to prioritize local needs and craft the most viable investment plan for the area.
“We must equip our upstate communities with the modern tools to compete in the digital era. Expanding access to affordable high-speed broadband is a smart investment that will boost our economy, prepare our students and improve quality of life,” Santabarbara added.
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1. http://nysbroadband.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/availability.pdf
2. http://nysbroadband.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/speed.pdf