A recent report from the office of state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli highlighted the numerous challenges faced by rural counties in New York, including a lack of jobs, limited access to healthcare, and a shortage of grocery stores. Unsurprisingly, these issues have resulted in a decline in the population of these counties. While there are several factors causing these demographic changes, one item on the comptroller’s list stands out: the absence of rural broadband access.
The percentage of households without high-speed internet access statewide is relatively small. However, in certain rural counties, it represents a significant portion of homes, reaching up to 25% in the counties examined by the comptroller.
Let’s take a closer look at the timeline. In 2008, the state allocated $160 million in federal funds to ensure universal internet access. In 2015, a $500 million initiative was launched to expand access in rural communities. Later, the American Rescue Plan provided financial resources specifically for broadband development. And just last year, Governor Kathy Hochul introduced the ConnectALL Initiative, allocating $1 billion towards this cause.
Considering this timeline, it’s perplexing that we are still discussing the need for universal broadband after more than 15 years. Although progress has been made, there are still areas without this essential technology, even in proximity to the state capital, such as Albany County’s Hilltowns, which are only a few miles away from the Capitol.
Governor Hochul’s ConnectALL program includes promising initiatives to streamline the expansion process and reduce costs. Here’s a suggestion: for one year, the state’s Regional Economic Development Councils should prioritize broadband expansion, leveraging the state’s economic development resources to launch as many projects as possible.
Internet access has become vital for modern life. Without it, reversing the decline of rural counties will remain a distant dream.
When every minute matters
In September, a bus crash occurred in Orange County, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and injuries to nearly four dozen others, including Long Island children on their way to band camp. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but one measure to enhance highway safety is already evident.
Local officials in the town of Wawayanda are advocating for the installation of a crash gate on a stretch of Interstate 84. This crash gate would provide first responders with direct access to the interstate, eliminating the need to drive to the nearest exit ramp and backtrack to the accident site.
As there are over 10 miles of highway between the Goshen and Mountain Road exits, having an emergency entrance could potentially reduce first responders’ response time by 10 to 15 minutes. For those awaiting help, this time saved can be crucial.
What’s particularly astonishing is that local officials have been requesting the installation of a crash gate in that section of I-84 for more than two decades.
This situation is quite remarkable. The state Department of Transportation should promptly address this request. Furthermore, this lengthy delay raises concerns about whether other communities also have pending requests for similar access points along their stretches of interstate. It is imperative that the process for seeking installation is simplified.
This matter should not be unnecessarily complex. Local first responders possess valuable knowledge about their roads. When they express their needs, it is vital to listen to them.
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