Schoharie County Awarded $30M MIP Grant to Achieve 100% Broadband Coverage Across Rural Communities

SCHOHARIE COUNTY, NY (11/17/2024) (readMedia)-- The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC), in collaboration with Schoharie County, proudly announces the successful award of a $30 million Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP) grant. This grant marks a major milestone in establishing 100% broadband coverage across over 5,000 rural locations in Schoharie County. This MIP-funded initiative, independent of the state's ConnectALL program, builds on SEEC's Digital Revolution strategy to create a sustainable tech ecosystem and align modern technology with the county's unique agricultural heritage.

Acknowledging Collaboration and Commitment

The success of this project reflects the efforts of the Southern Tier 8 Broadband Collaborative, Schoharie County's early 2015 feasibility study, and the community impact insights developed through ARPA funding. MIDTEL and Farr Technologies played key roles in this achievement by sharing their expertise and fostering the trust needed to deploy broadband across the region. SEEC Advisors provided critical inspiration, reimagining a future where technology and agriculture work in harmony.

SEEC and Schoharie County extend their gratitude to Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for their continued commitment to broadband expansion and digital equity across New York State. Their leadership and dedication to connecting rural communities have laid a strong foundation for this project, ensuring every New Yorker has access to essential digital resources.

Commitment to Rural Communities

"This grant is a transformative leap forward for Schoharie County," stated Schoharie County Administrator Korsah Akumfi. "With it, we ensure that every household, business, and educational institution will have access to reliable, high-speed internet, leveling the digital playing field for all our residents."

Assemblyman Chris Tague (102nd District) emphasized the initiative's long-term impact: "A decade-long commitment by the County to own and operate this infrastructure will provide the sustainable connectivity essential for our communities' economic and social well-being."

Voices from the Community

Paul Conroy, representing SEEC's Board of Directors remarked, "This project is about embracing a digital future while honoring our rural identity. It's a modern-day revolution that will help rural landscapes thrive for generations to come."

Jim Becker, President of MIDTEL, added, "We are honored to be a part of this transformative project that will bring broadband access to over 5,000 locations across Schoharie County, covering even the most remote areas. With nearly 300 miles of new fiber, this open-access network will enable affordable, high-quality service, enhancing educational, health, and work opportunities for residents, particularly in low-income communities. Our long history of serving Schoharie County allows us to bring both experience and commitment to this project, and we are excited to partner with the county to construct and operate a network that will have lasting impacts."

Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits

This comprehensive broadband infrastructure will address educational, healthcare, and workforce disparities by providing vital connectivity to all underserved locations. In regions like Central Bridge, which have long faced barriers to digital access, broadband will support improved educational outcomes, enable better health resources, and boost workforce participation in areas traditionally lacking connectivity. This project's impact is expected to drive economic growth while supporting SEEC's initiatives like the $1.2 million in CDBG funding allocated to help local businesses upskill and leverage advanced digital tools. Through partnerships with programs such as NENY Tech Hub, SEEC is ensuring a future-proofed ecosystem that sustains Schoharie's working landscapes for seven generations.

For further information about the initiatives and future developments in Schoharie County, please visit Schoharie County's website or SEEC's website.

About Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC):

Established by the private sector, SEEC is a not-for-profit organization committed to fostering economic growth in Schoharie County. Through its priority initiative, Digital Strategies, SEEC has directed $1.2 million in CDBG grants to small businesses, bringing Wi-Fi access to three villages and supporting rural tech advancements. SEEC is building a sustainable tech ecosystem in collaboration with best-practice alliances like the NENY Tech Hub, ensuring that rural landscapes thrive in today's digital age and beyond.