Senator Helming and Republican Conference Urge Governor Hochul To Prioritize Unserved and Underserved Areas When Allocating Federal Broadband Funds

Senator Helming, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference today sent a letter to Governor Hochul, urging her to prioritize unserved and underserved communities throughout New York State when allocating the federal high-speed internet grants that were recently announced. 

The federal government announced a $42.5 billion multi-state allocation to bring affordable and reliable high-speed internet service to every community in the nation. New York State is expected to receive nearly $665 million in funding to help expand affordable and reliable internet access. 

Many communities, particularly rural upstate communities, still have no access or very limited access to high-speed internet despite investments that were intended to ensure broadband access in every corner of the state. The Senate Republican Conference is advocating that the Executive ensure these communities are prioritized when dispersing these newly-announced federal funds. 

The letter to the Governor is attached above.