Madison County, New York, has been awarded $9,998,562 in grant funding from the state to enhance broadband access for underserved residents. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the grant on Thursday, highlighting its potential to significantly improve internet connectivity in the southern regions of the county.
Broadband Expansion Plans
The funding, part of the New York State ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program, will specifically benefit the communities of Cazenovia, Morrisville, New Woodstock, Hamilton, and Brookfield. This initiative aims to expand the ongoing Madison County Connect project, which was previously supported by a USDA ReConnect grant awarded in 2021.
Through a partnership with Empire Access, Madison County plans to develop 120 miles of fiber optic infrastructure. This network will connect over 2,600 homes, businesses, and community institutions, providing them with high-quality and affordable internet services. The county will maintain ownership of the network, while Empire Access will manage its operation.
Syracuse Utilities is responsible for the construction of the Madison County Connect project. Completion of the first phase, funded in part by the USDA, is anticipated by the end of 2025. Residents in Cazenovia, Chittenango, Oneida, and parts of Munnsville will soon have access to reliable internet services through Empire Access.
Community Impact and Future Goals
Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone emphasized the importance of ensuring that all community members have access to reliable high-speed internet. “Our society revolves around being online, whether for school, health care, or even for fun,” Scimone remarked. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to access high-speed, reliable internet. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for the ConnectALL funding so that we can serve even more of our Madison County residents and businesses.”
The total cost of the full broadband project is estimated at $18.6 million, which includes a $3.4 million contribution from Madison County and a $2.4 million investment from Empire Access. The county has collaborated closely with the USDA, New York Engineering Services, ECC Technologies, and Empire Access to bring this project to fruition.
The Madison County Rural Broadband Network aims to deliver high-speed internet with speeds of 100 Mbps for both downloads and uploads to underserved households and businesses. The ReConnect grant will fund 269 miles of fiber, benefiting 6,504 homes, while the ConnectALL grant will focus on an additional 120 miles.
Construction of the network will occur in three phases. Phase 1 will cover areas including Sullivan, Chittenango, Lenox, and Canastota. Construction for Phase 2 is set to begin this winter, with the ConnectALL segment being developed simultaneously.
The project is strategically starting in the northern half of the county to connect with Empire Access’s existing infrastructure, ensuring a seamless transition for residents. For more details on the project phases, residents are encouraged to visit the Madison County website.