Sullivan County gets $1.7M federal broadband grant to improve wireless internet access

MONTICELLO - Sullivan County is getting a $1.7 million federal grant that will go toward its efforts to build a countywide, county-owned wireless broadband network.

Sen. Chuck Schumer announced the grant Thursday. It is being awarded through the federal Economic Development Administration's American Rescue Plan funding.

The lack of adequate broadband access has been a longtime issue in the county.

Schumer said the federal grant money will allow the Sullivan Broadband Local Development Corporation to outfit the county's public safety broadcast towers with equipment to transmit a wireless signal that will provide about 65% of the county with access to broadband.

That would build on the LDC's ongoing work at three sites in Liberty and Monticello, with the ultimate goal of expanding coverage beyond those locations to reach underserved areas across the entire county in the future.

Schumer said the federal EDA grant will be matched with $415,063 in local funds, and is expected to generate $4.5 million in private investment.

Monkeypox: Sullivan County resident has first probable case outside NYC

Bias lawsuit: Falun Gong compound claims Deerpark delays force building's closure

Drivers organized: Newburgh city council raises taxi fares

Schumer recalled that in March 2021 he visited Sullivan County and stood beside local officials, educators and business owners "to launch our fight to finally give our rural Sullivan County communities the access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet that they deserve."

That was followed by months of work by the EDA, the county and others "to address the digital divide," Schumer said.

"I am proud to announce this $1.7 million federal investment to bring Sullivan County businesses and residents into the 21st century," Schumer said.

In a statement, Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek called the federal grant "a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to making sure our residents have access to reliable, high-speed internet."

Michael Brooks, chairman of the Sullivan Broadband LDC, added that "life and commerce in the 21st century requires" that everyone has such access.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, the Poughkeepsie Journal and the Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @MikeRandall845

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Chuck Schumer announces grant for broadband access in Sullivan County