The Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board is requesting $7 million from Cayuga County to support a $29.5 million state grant aimed at expanding broadband access in rural areas. The plan includes a 335-mile fiber optic network from Cortland County through Cayuga and up to Oswego County.
Board Executive Director David Bottar presented the proposal to the Cayuga County Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee, explaining that the state has given a conditional funding reservation, advancing the grant application. The board seeks loans from Cayuga, Cortland, and Oswego counties to prove sufficient interim financing, which would be reimbursed by the state if the project proceeds.
The project aims to provide broadband access to the 1,600 homes in Cayuga County that currently lack high-speed internet, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all residents. “This would be a big, big win for the region and a big, big win for Cayuga,” Bottar said.
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