Ulster County Lands $20.8M Federal Grant to Bring Fiber Broadband to Rural Homes

Ulster County will soon connect nearly 1,300 homes, businesses, and community sites to high-speed internet, thanks to $20.8 million awarded through New York State’s ConnectALL Deployment Program. Verizon is matching with $40.9 million, bringing the total investment to nearly $62 million.

The funding, pending final approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, comes under the federal BEAD program — Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment — aimed at expanding internet access in rural and underserved areas.

“Reliable broadband is a necessity in today’s world for education, work, healthcare, public safety, and daily life,” said County Executive Jen Metzger. “Thanks to the NYS ConnectALL award and Verizon’s substantial match, nearly 1,300 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions in rural Ulster County will finally be connected with reliable fiber optic service.”

Jenny Lee, chair of the Ulster County Citizens Commission for Digital Inclusion, called it “a proud moment for our Commission. We’ve worked hard to ensure that every location, no matter how remote, has a fair shot at digital access…Our research showed that fiber optics was the optimal solution and that Verizon, with its existing infrastructure and workforce, was uniquely qualified to implement it.”

“I have witnessed firsthand how vital fiber broadband infrastructure is to public safety and emergency response to education, healthcare, business, and civic engagement,” said Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher. “That’s why in 2022, I established the Ulster County Citizens Commission for Digital Inclusion to champion this essential cause. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Commission Chair Jenny Lee and the collaborative efforts of partner Verizon, we have secured over $20 million to deliver fiber broadband to every last mile of Ulster County

Dennis Trainor, Vice President, CWA District 1 said, “The BEAD program represents a once-in-a-generation investment in broadband infrastructure, with the power to connect New Yorkers to high-speed internet and strengthen good jobs in our communities. CWA District 1 has worked tirelessly to ensure this funding supports companies that deploy future-proof fiber technology and hire a directly-employed, highly skilled, and well-trained workforce. We’re proud that CWA members who live and work in Ulster County will be bringing Verizon Fios to their neighbors.

Officials say the county remains committed to closing the digital divide as construction begins.

Image Credit: Ulster County Comptroller