U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand deliver “major” $14+ million grant to expand push for widespread broadband internet access throughout North Country

The push to provide access to high-speed broadband continues as U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced Friday a “major” grant for the North Country.

At the tune of over $14.5 million, the funding will blanket our four county listening area and several others. Surveys suggest there are roughly 2,500 homes scattered throughout the North Country that lack access to high-speed internet.

“Long before the pandemic, rural and urban communities across Upstate NY, and especially in the North Country, have struggled with access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet,” said Schumer.

“Limited access to reliable high-speed internet makes it harder for kids to do their homework, for seniors to access tele-health appointments, and for workers to take advantage of remote employment opportunities,” said Gillibrand.

It’s now up to Development Authority of the North Country and National Grid to construct new fiber optic infrastructure.

The total cost for this initiative is $24 million, with the grant covering 60% and the remaining 40% funded thanks to National Grid.

Images via Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.