Date: 2008-03-20
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Governor David A. Paterson today announced that nine public/private sector partnerships will receive funds to help promote the research, design and implementation of innovative solutions to create affordable broadband Internet access for underserved urban and rural communities throughout the state.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Governor David A. Paterson today announced that nine public/private sector partnerships will receive funds to help promote the research, design and implementation of innovative solutions to create affordable broadband Internet access for underserved urban and rural communities throughout the state.
The New York State Council for Universal Broadband,which is charged with developing strategies to ensure every New Yorker has access to affordable, high-speed Internet service, met for the second time this week and the competitive grants were announced at that meeting. The funds will help build high-speed broadband access networks, foster equal and universal access in underserved areas, and develop digital literacy programs.
“In an age when our competitiveness depends on fast and easy access to information, too many communities in New York State still lack sufficient broadband access,” said Governor Paterson. “Improved broadband technologies can spur economic development, increase learning opportunities and connect more New Yorkers to the wide array of resources available online, including government services. The Council will provide strategic oversight as we work with these partnerships to ensure all New Yorkers have access to high-speed Internet and the skills necessary to get the most out of online tools.”
The Council was formed in December 2007 and charged with developing strategies to ensure every New Yorker has access to affordable, high-speed Internet service. It is comprised of 28 members representing state and local government, libraries, municipal associations, economic development, as well as secondary and higher education.
Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said: “In the 21st Century Universal Broadband is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity if every area of New York State is to share in the opportunity it brings for access to information and services and the education and economic growth that comes with it.”
Assembly Speaker of the House Sheldon Silver said: “In the last decade, access to the Internet has become a necessity for schools, businesses and non-profits to remain viable. Governor Paterson’s initiative helps to address the geographic, economic and technological divides preventing underserved communities from better participating in the global marketplace of ideas and commerce. These grants will help to increase Web access in areas that still lack the essential technical connection and will help students, working people and companies better realize their potentials.”
Assemblymember RoAnn Destito said: “To participate in the information-driven economy, underserved communities across New York require Internet access. Rural and inner city residents who lack access to Web will certainly benefit from these grants. I applaud Governor Paterson for his support in bringing this essential feature of modern life to homes and businesses in the areas with limited Internet access.”
Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, New York’s Chief Information Officer, said: “We are very pleased with the initial response we received from this first round of broadband grant applications. Particularly striking was the level of local matching funds, the innovation of many of the proposals, and the broad nature of some of the proposed collaborations.”
John Lincoln, President of New York Farm Bureau, said: “We are grateful that the Governor has recognized how vital it is that our rural businesses have equal access to broadband. Our farm families need access to the best that technology has to offer in order to compete in a worldwide marketplace. These broadband grants will help our farmers here in New York keep up with the demands and pressures of the global economy.”
New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario, a member of the Governor's Council on Universal Broadband, said: “High speed Internet is an essential communication tool for the 21st century. These grants will connect government and business organizations with their constituency and customers. We commend Governor Paterson for highlighting the need to continue this important Universal Broadband effort.”
Michael J. Borges, Executive Director of the New York Library Association, said: “The library community of New York is pleased that the State of New York was able to move quickly to award funding to libraries across the state to upgrade their Internet connections so they can continue to fulfill their role in bridging the digital divide for those who do not have access in their homes. We hope these grants will leverage additional funding from the Gates Foundation, which has already provided $4 million in grants this year to public libraries in New York to purchase computer hardware.”
In 2007, the New York State Legislature appropriated $5 million to provide seed money to be awarded through the Council. To leverage the funds, the Council required a minimum dollar-for-dollar match in the form of cash, in-kind goods and services, or a combination of the two. The value of the matching cash and in-kind services from the nine award recipients totals more than $15.1 million.
More than 50 applications were received for the first year of funding and the proposed 2008-09 budget includes $15 million to continue the program.