News Summary
Madison County has secured nearly $10 million to improve broadband Internet access for unserved residents in southern areas, including Cazenovia and Morrisville. This initiative, backed by a New York State grant, aims to connect over 2,600 homes and businesses through a partnership with Empire Access. The project is part of the larger Madison County Connect and is expected to close the digital divide, enhancing communication and quality of life for residents.
Madison County has secured nearly $10 million in funding to improve broadband Internet service for unserved residents in southern Madison County. The grant, originating from the New York State ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program, aims to ensure high-quality and affordable Internet access for thousands of individuals and businesses.
The targeted areas for this broadband expansion include Cazenovia, Morrisville, New Woodstock, Hamilton, and Brookfield. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the Madison County Connect project, which is currently developing infrastructure with support from a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ReConnect grant awarded in 2021.
Madison County will partner with Empire Access to install approximately 120 miles of fiber infrastructure, connecting over 2,600 homes, businesses, and community institutions to reliable broadband services. As part of this plan, Madison County will retain ownership of the broadband network, while Empire Access will manage its operations.
The first phase of the existing USDA-funded project is on track for completion by the end of 2025. Residents in nearby areas, including Chittenango, Oneida, and parts of Munnsville, are also expected to benefit from enhanced Internet services shortly.
Construction Phases and Community Impact
The project is structured into three distinct phases. Phase one encompasses construction in Sullivan, Chittenango, Lenox, Canastota, Lincoln, Oneida, Stockbridge, Fenner, Cazenovia, and Smithfield. Phase two is scheduled to initiate this winter, while development for the ConnectALL component will occur simultaneously.
The focus of the construction initiative will initially target the northern half of Madison County, aligning with the existing infrastructure managed by Empire Access. This collaborative approach aims to maximize efficiency and expand coverage across the region.
Funding and Collaborations
The overall budget for this extensive broadband project is estimated at $18.6 million. This figure includes a $3.4 million contribution from Madison County, along with a $2.4 million investment from Empire Access. The county is actively partnering with entities such as the USDA, New York Engineering Services, and ECC Technologies to ensure the project’s successful execution.
The need for reliable high-speed Internet access is increasingly vital for various aspects of community life, including education, healthcare, and entertainment. The Madison County Administrator highlighted the essential role of dependable broadband service in enhancing quality of life and addressing the demands of modern communication.
The expansion of broadband service in Madison County represents a significant step toward closing the digital divide, ensuring that all residents have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy and access essential services. As the project unfolds, progress updates will be shared with the community to maintain transparency and engagement surrounding this vital development.
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Additional Resources
- Syracuse.com: New Businesses in Madison County
- Wikipedia: Broadband Internet
- Syracuse.com: Van Duyn Settlement
- Google Search: Broadband Infrastructure Programs
- Syracuse.com: Latest Business and Land Sales
- Google Scholar: Broadband Funding Initiatives
- Syracuse.com: Business Loop 81 Drawings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Digital Divide
- Syracuse.com: Company News in CNY
- Google News: Digital Infrastructure Madison County
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