Madison County, New York, has been awarded $9,998,562 in grant funding to enhance broadband access for unserved residents in the southern region of the county. The announcement, made by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on March 15, 2024, is part of the New York State ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program.
Broadband Expansion Initiative
The grant will benefit several communities, including the villages and towns of Cazenovia, Morrisville, New Woodstock, Hamilton, and Brookfield. This funding is set to expand the ongoing Madison County Connect project, which is already supported by a $12.8 million USDA ReConnect grant awarded in 2021.
Through a partnership with Empire Access, Madison County plans to construct 120 miles of fiber optic infrastructure aimed at connecting over 2,600 homes, businesses, and community institutions with reliable and affordable internet service. The county will retain ownership of the network while Empire Access will manage its operation.
The construction of the Madison County Connect project is currently underway, led by Syracuse Utilities. Completion of the first phase, funded by the USDA, is anticipated by the end of 2025. Residents in areas such as Cazenovia, Chittenango, Oneida, and parts of Munnsville will soon have access to improved internet services.
Commitment to Connectivity
Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “Madison County set out over six years ago to ensure that everyone in our community truly had access to reliable high-speed internet.” He emphasized the essential role of internet access in modern life, highlighting its importance for education, healthcare, and leisure.
The total investment for the full broadband project amounts to $18.6 million, with Madison County contributing $3.4 million and Empire Access investing $2.4 million. The collaborative effort involves various stakeholders, including the USDA and engineering services from New York.
The Madison County Rural Broadband Network aims to deliver high-speed internet service at speeds of 100 Mbps x 100 Mbps to previously unserved households and businesses. The ReConnect initiative encompasses 269 miles of fiber lines, providing service to 6,504 homes, while the ConnectALL portion adds another 120 miles to reach additional residents.
Construction of the network will occur in three phases. The first phase will include areas such as Sullivan, Chittenango, Lenox, Canastota, Lincoln, Oneida, Stockbridge, Fenner, Cazenovia, and Smithfield. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin this winter, and the ConnectALL segment will be built concurrently, starting in the northern half of the county. This will integrate with existing infrastructure managed by Empire Access.
For further details on the project phases, residents can visit the Madison County website at www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/2765/Madison-County-Connect.
