State accepting applications for $25m in broadband grants

A week after announcing a $25 million grant program to promote and expand broadband Internet access, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Aug. 27 that the state has started accepting applications for funding.

As part of the Connect NY initiative, grants will be made available through the regional economic development councils and Empire State Development Corp., with the initiative aimed primarily at expanding access in underserved regions and urban areas.

The grants will be awarded to Internet service providers in partnership with local governments and economic development organizations. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 5 and can be accessed at: http://www.nysbroadband.ny.gov/ConnectNY2012.