EDC Warren County, recognizing the vital role broadband plays—not only in economic development but in critical aspects of everyday life such as education, health care, and connection—has brought together a community of carriers, elected officials, nonprofit groups and citizens to help improve access in the north country.
In the fall of 2020, EDC assisted private internet provider Slic Network Solutions to gain an easement on county-owned land to install a switch cabinet capable of servicing fiber expansion in multiple rural towns. This 200-mile fiber expansion project brought broadband to more than 1,700 unserved rural homes in the towns of Johnsburg, Warrensburg, Thurman, and Stony Creek, plus another 1,000 homes were given access to other internet providers.
This called for a large survey to learn what local households are experiencing and what areas of the county have the greatest need.
EDC Warren County commissioned and completed a comprehensive Broadband Assessment and Survey in the first quarter of 2021. The completed survey identified five unserved areas in Warren County. The project started conversations across county lines pointing out the need for more progress.
Continuing the effort, EDC Warren County has developed a multi-county, multi-provider collaboration called the North Country Broadband Alliance that works to pursue federal grant funding. The alliance consists of local leaders and government officials working together with six Adirondack counties and four private internet providers.
Officials said the alliance has filed for the first of several federal grants to address unserved and underserved homes in mostly rural mountainous areas.
Beth Gilles, executive director of the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning board was the point person coordinating regional data and mapping. Sara Frankenfeld, Warren County GIS administrator, was also instrumental in the progress made thus far.
Hamilton County is the lead county on the grant application.
“Working in a collaborative effort made us more competitive for the grant as this is the first of its kind in our region,” said Jim Siplon, EDC Warren County president.
“Forming the alliance just made sense. We all have the same need. Broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity that will help us sustain our region,” added John Wheatley, EDC Warren County vice president.
The National Telecommunications Information Administration grant application was filed in August.
The total homes that would be covered in the NTIA grant application was more than 3,000 across Warren, Washington, Essex, Hamilton, Franklin, and Clinton counties, with an anticipated total investment of $20 million.
EDC is the economic development engine for Warren County, New York, attracting new businesses to the area, and helping existing ones expand. EDC offers one-stop solutions for businesses seeking introduction to the county and its resources and for finance, real estate, workforce and development related assistance.