The Department of Treasury has approved more than $228 million for high-speed internet projects in New York, which the state estimates will connect tens of thousands of homes and businesses to affordable, high-speed internet. Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF).
“The pandemic upended life as we knew it and exposed the stark inequity in access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet in communities across the country,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “This funding is a key piece of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments to increase access to high-speed internet for millions of Americans and provide more opportunities to fully participate and compete in the 21st century economy.”
The funding will support New York’s Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP), which is a competitive grant program designed to fund local governments and internet service providers to build last-mile broadband infrastructure to tens of thousands of locations. According to the Treasury Department, the MIP will prioritize eligible applicants based on several categories including experience, cost, project readiness, broadband service quality, and digital equity impact.
“Over $228 million is on the way from the feds to help rural and underserved communities across New York install the last mile of broadband infrastructure needed to help thousands of homes finally get high-speed internet. This is how we can close the digital divide in Upstate NY – by making sure high-speed internet reaches corner of the state regardless of zip code,” said Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
“Broadband is not a luxury, it is a necessity, a utility as vital as electricity for success in our modern economy to ensure people can stay connected, have access to healthcare, jobs, and school,” Schumer added. “This is only the latest in hundreds of millions in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law that is helping the Empire State lead the nation in closing the digital divide.”
The CPF provides a total of $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that expand economic opportunities and provide internet connectivity in communities with unmet needs. Since the Treasury Department began announcing state awards in June 2022, CPF has awarded more than $9 billion for broadband, digital technology, and multi-purpose community center projects in all states and the District of Columbia.
