Eight Projects Awarded Funding Through Regional and Local Assistance Program to Advance Digital Equity and Broadband Planning Across New York State
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced $1,594,194 in technical assistance grants has been awarded to eight projects across seven regions of New York State through Round 1 of the Regional and Local Assistance Program (RLA). These grants, part of the broader ConnectALL initiative, enable New York government entities to plan and implement innovative broadband and digital equity projects, bridging the digital divide and fostering participation in the digital economy.
Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "ConnectALL Regional and Local Assistance is a vital tool to close the digital divide in New York State. 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. 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."
ConnectALL, New York's comprehensive broadband initiative, aims to transform the state's digital infrastructure and expand broadband access, affordability, and equity statewide. The Regional and Local Assistance Program provides up to $249,999 in grant funding to government entities for non-construction activities. Examples of eligible activities include feasibility studies, digital equity research, identification of underserved areas, and development of broadband financing strategies.
ConnectALL plans to award $10 million through Regional and Local Assistance over the next three years, with future rounds slated to begin in 2025. The eight Round 1 awardees and their projects are:
- Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (Central New York - $249,999): Developing a comprehensive broadband infrastructure database and GIS mapping system, analyzing service gaps, assessing cellular services, and planning an open-access middle-mile network to transform connectivity in Central New York.
- Columbia Economic Development Corporation (Capital District - $120,000): Conducting broadband planning for Columbia County, including field surveys, mapping updates, regulatory reviews, and coordination with internet service providers, positioning the county to improve connectivity for its residents.
- Montgomery County (Mohawk Valley - $249,999): Examining the viability of publicly owned broadband infrastructure, open access networks, and public-private partnerships to promote broadband deployment in the county.
- New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (New York City - $198,000): Strategic planning for the "Neighborhood Internet" wireless network pilot in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Brooklyn, to provide free internet to low-income households, breaking barriers to connectivity and digital inclusion.
- New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (New York City - $249,999): Evaluating the digital literacy ecosystem to deliver actionable resources and recommendations for digital literacy providers.
- Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board (Southern Tier - $90,000): Equipping municipalities across the Southern Tier with digital literacy materials, workforce training classes, and online safety resources to drive equitable economic growth.
- Westchester County (Mid-Hudson - $199,397): Expanding the impact of the Connect Westchester program, providing digital tools and essential technology training to better serve incarcerated individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities for a more inclusive and connected county.
- Wyoming County (Finger Lakes - $236,800): Creating a county broadband plan and feasibility study and enhancing local capacity in GIS and broadband planning tools, positioning the county to pursue opportunities to expand connectivity and digital equity.
These projects reflect ConnectALL's approach to achieving universal broadband access and digital literacy through local and regional partnerships. By supporting local planning efforts, the program ensures that future broadband investments are targeted, effective, and responsive to community needs. For more information about the Regional and Local Assistance Program and other ConnectALL initiatives, visit http://broadband.ny.gov.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692