ALBANY – The Connect NY Broadband grant program is launching today.  The state will begin accepting applications in the “Connect NY” program which provides $25 million in grant funding to promote broadband Internet access across the state. The grants are made available through the Regional Councils and Empire State Development and will help expand high speed Internet access in rural upstate and urban areas of New York.

Expanding high-speed Internet was identified last year as a priority by the Regional Councils in order to help local businesses expand their ability to reach customers and encourage broadband providers to improve Internet access for local communities. Broadband Internet grants, such as Connect NY, both spur investment by service providers in communities and help boost economic development in each region by expanding the ability of local businesses to reach consumers globally.

The grants will be awarded in the regions to Internet service companies and in partnership with local governments and economic development organizations. Applications will be reviewed and scored by the Regional Councils based on the following metrics.  

• Providing new service to areas with little or no Internet service. Additional weight will be given for plans that provide more Internet access to the local public through libraries, parks, and other community areas, help local health centers provide new online access to health records and services, and expand Internet service in economically distressed areas
• Creating a plan for educating local businesses and residents on how to use broadband to increase economic development and enhance quality of life
• Building off existing Internet networks to more efficiently increase high speed Internet service in communities that have broadband in only some areas but not throughout the area
• Receiving the endorsement of the local Regional Council and support of community stakeholders