Columbia County Economic Development awarded $120K grant

HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) received $120,000 to assist the county in its effort for universal broadband access. Funding was announced Monday by Empire State Development, as part of a larger $1.5 million package for eight projects throughout the state.

The grants awarded are part of the ConnectALL initiative to help New York government entities to plan and implement innovative broadband and digital equity projects. ConnectALL plans to award a total of $10 million through the Regional and Local Assistance Program (RLA) over the next three years, with future rounds starting in 2025.

"ConnectALL Regional and Local Assistance is a vital tool to close the digital divide in New York State," Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said. "By funding planning and research at the local and regional level, we're laying the groundwork for smart, effective investments in broadband infrastructure that will benefit communities."

According to a release from Empire State Development, Columbia County's grant will be used to conduct planning measures. It will be used to conduct field surveys, update mapping and coordinate with internet service providers to position the county for connectivity improvements for all residents.

In the grant application, CEDC President and CEO Mike Tucker said a portion of the funding will go towards a consultant to assist with the planning measures. "This approach ensures seamless implementation and compliance with all grant requirements, while leveraging CEDC’s extensive experience with NYS and federal funding programs to maximize the impact of the ConnectALL
initiative in Columbia County," he wrote.

In September, NEWS10 reported that the Columbia County Board of Supervisors has been partnering with the Columbia Economic Development Corporation to address gaps in broadband coverage across the county. Board Chairman Matt Morell said the committee formed has helped lower underserved and unserved households in the county.

In the grant application submitted, the FCC data showed that there were over 2,400 unserved houses and just under 100 schools, businesses and other community organizations without the recommended 1 Gig service. A field study conducted in 2017 however, shows the county numbers of unserved and underserved households dropped from 3,000 and 10,000, respectively, to around 600 this year.

According to Tucker, the project will improve broadband infrastructure in homes, schools and hospitals. It will also provide digital literacy training, and promote affordable internet solutions, by ensuring Columbia County communities gain meaningful access to essential digital resources and opportunities.

"The work planned under this grant will also support opportunities to improve access for distance learning, telemedicine, and ecommerce opportunities, which are essential to prosperity and well-being in the modern economy," Tucker wrote in the application. "CEDC also plans to continue its work with the six school districts in Columbia County, Quester III BOCES, and Columbia-Greene Community College on connectivity issues related to education; Columbia-Memorial Health and various social service, elder care, and home healthcare providers, as it relates to telehealth and other critical health issues; as well as engaging arts and cultural institutions on using digital tools to succeed."

Knight said the grants will help local governments address the broadband needs of community members. "These grants will empower our government partners across the state to address the unique broadband needs of their regions so all New Yorkers can have the connectivity they need to thrive in the digital age."

Other grants awarded:

• Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, $249,999
• Montgomery County, $249,999
• New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, $198,000
• New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, $249,999
• Southern Tier eat Regional Planning Development Board, $90,000
• Westchester County, $199,397
• Wyoming County, $236,800

Featured video shown is from September's report on broadband access in Columbia County.