Thanks in part to an $11.3 million grant secured by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Livingston County’s ‘Light Up Livingston’ initiative, which will provide high-speed internet access to over 1,000 Livingston addresses, has been launched. Empire Access, a family-owned telecom provider based in Prattsburgh, is partnering with Livingston County to build out the new infrastructure. Specifically, the grant will enable the deployment of a fiber-to-the-premises network to reach thousands of residents, including 96 farms and 22 businesses in Livingston County.
“This $11.3 million is a game-changer for Livingston County, and I am proud to have fought for the federal investment that will help bring broadband internet access to every corner of the county,” said Senator Schumer.“This investment is about more than just faster internet – it’s about building a stronger, more resilient community. The ‘Light Up Livingston’ initiative will not only help businesses and farms thrive, but will also connect families to vital resources like tele-health and online education. This is a critical step forward for the Livingston community, and I am thrilled to see this initiative that I fought for 2 years ago finally coming to fruition as we work to build a brighter future for all.”
Light Up Livingston is a county-led initiative that responds to the need for high-speed affordable broadband service. The goal is to provide the opportunity for access to high-speed, fiber-optic internet through the deployment of final mile fixed broadband to every address in the County. This effort is comprised of several phases, internet service providers and grant opportunities where available. Livingston County and Empire Access formed a public-private partnership specifically for deployment of these grant funds. Empire Access will own and operate hundreds of miles of a fiber-optic network and Livingston County provided the match funds for the grant. Over time Empire Access will pay the County for this investment.
Jim Baase, CEO of Empire Access said, “We are excited to partner with Livingston County, Senator Schumer and the USDA to build 300+ miles of fiber optic network to service rural homes and farms with gigabit broadband. USDA grants are essential to provide affordable broadband to rural America!”
