State to Collaborate with Long Island Regional Economic Development Council to Revitalize Baldwin's Downtown Part of Governor's Comprehensive Approach to Transform Communities into Vibrant Neighborhoods and Boost Local Economies Downtown Revitalization Investments Are Crucial Part of Long Island's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Baldwin in the Town of Hempstead will receive $10 million in funding as the Long Island winner of the fourth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. As in the first three rounds of the DRI, one municipality from each of the state's 10 regional economic development regions is selected as a $10 million winner, marking another overall state goal to target $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise a family. "With this competition we are challenging local governments to come up with a comprehensive plan to revitalize their downtowns, and Baldwin did exactly that," Governor Cuomo said. "This plan builds on Baldwin's existing assets including the LIRR and focuses on transit orientated development to drive economic growth in the region. It is not only ambitious and innovative - it is actually going to happen. And when you put boldness together with feasibility, that is magic." "Strategically located near the Long Island Rail Road, Baldwin offers commercial, retail, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors and is primed for continued growth," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This funding as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative will advance efforts to grow downtown Baldwin and increase economic activity in Nassau County. With this targeted investment, we continue our commitment to strengthen communities statewide and ensure further success now and in the future." Read the full press release here. 

Pier Reopens with Enhancements for Pedestrians to Pier and Waterfront Trails and Improved Recreational Amenities See Pictures Here Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of improvements at Dunkirk Pier and harbor front in the City of Dunkirk. The project - supported by funding from the Smart Growth Community Fund - provides improved pedestrian access to Lake Erie, better connections to Dunkirk's waterfront trails, increased seating and green space, improved fishing and water recreation opportunities, new lighting, and new wayfinding and signage. "Establishing accessible, vibrant and sustainable communities is central to our regionally-focused economic development strategy," Governor Cuomo said. "These improvements will create beautiful new greenspace and a more pedestrian-friendly area for recreation and events, driving even more tourism and private investment to Dunkirk." "The investments made at the Dunkirk Pier and Harbor will help to boost the area as a waterfront destination," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today's announcement. "Our Smart Growth fund is a recognition of the importance of pedestrian access and growing downtowns across Western New York. These improvements will ensure local residents and visitors have a world-class experience during their visit to Chautauqua County and strengthen the local economy." Read the full press release here. 

  Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the authorization of more than $55.4 million in federal broadband support across two waves of funding from the FCC’s Connect America Fund (CAF).  This funding, which matches previously announced New NY Broadband Program Round III awards to eight providers, will support the deployment of fiber-based broadband access to over 23,000 unserved homes and businesses across all eight Upstate Regions. Today’s FCC authorization – approximately $16.2 million in federal funding addressing 8,088 locations – represents the second wave of CAF funding pursuant to the FCC’s landmark partnership with New York State, which was the result of efforts by Governor Cuomo, Empire State Development, and New York State’s Congressional representatives.  It follows the FCC’s July 15th authorization of over $39.2 million addressing 15,442 locations.  Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “This vital federal funding will bring the benefits of high-speed Internet to small businesses, schools and families throughout underserved areas of Upstate New York.” “Our partnership with New York is continuing to connect unserved rural areas of Upstate New York,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Closing the digital divide is the FCC’s top priority, and I’m proud that this partnership will help bring the opportunities that high-speed Internet offers Upstate.” “The Broadband Program Office’s partnership with the FCC for the innovative joint CAF auction represents a first of its kind federal and state collaboration to expand broadband access.  Today’s announcement is an important milestone for the effort, and we thank the FCC for their partnership on this recent authorization, which will bring both federal and state funding to deploy broadband to over 23,000 previously announced locations across the State.” said Jeffrey Nordhaus, Empire State Development, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Broadband. The New York federal funding applications authorized are as follows: Armstrong Telecommunications Inc. will receive $12.8 million over the next decade to expand broadband to 6,709 rural homes and businesses at downstream speeds of at least 100 Megabits per second and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps DTC Cable Inc. will receive $2.1 million over the next decade to expand broadband to 712 rural homes and businesses at downstream speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps GTEL Teleconnections will receive $854,652 over the next decade to expand broadband to 260 rural homes and businesses at downstream speeds of at least 100 Megabits per second and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps  Haefele TV Inc. will receive nearly $1.3 million over the next decade to expand broadband to 667 rural homes and businesses at downstream speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps MTC Cable will receive nearly $4.3 million over the next decade to expand broadband to 1,659 rural homes and businesses at downstream speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps Otsego Electric Cooperative will receive nearly $4.3 million over the next decade to expand broadband to 1,146 rural homes and businesses at downstream speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps SLIC Network Solutions will receive nearly $11.3 million over the next decade to expand broadband to 4,610 rural homes and businesses at downstream speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps Verizon Communications will receive $18.5 million over the next decade to expand broadband to 7,767 rural homes and businesses at downstream speeds of at least 100 Megabits per second and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps Below is deployment by county, provider, and number of homes and businesses served (locations): County   Company Locations Allegany   Armstrong Telecommunications 3,005 Cattaraugus   Armstrong Telecommunications 2,883 Cayuga   Verizon 1,536 Chemung   Haefele TV 162 Chenango   DTC Cable 1 Clinton   SLIC 245 Clinton   Verizon 278 Columbia   GTEL 260 Cortland   Haefele TV 4 Cortland   Verizon 296 Delaware   DTC Cable 519 Delaware   MTC 386 Erie   Armstrong Telecommunications 26 Essex   SLIC 410 Franklin   SLIC 499 Fulton   Verizon 438 Greene   MTC 537 Herkimer   Otsego 131 Herkimer   Verizon 840 Jefferson Verizon 693 Lewis   Verizon 57 Livingston   Armstrong Telecommunications 42 Madison   Verizon 7 Montgomery   Verizon 222 Oneida   Verizon 689 Onondaga   Verizon 11 Oswego   Verizon 372 Otsego   DTC Cable 192 Otsego   Otsego 1,015 Otsego   Verizon 91 Rensselaer   SLIC 3 Rensselaer   Verizon 190 Schenectady   Verizon 173 Schoharie   MTC 586 Schoharie   Verizon 81 Schuyler   Haefele TV 36 St. Lawrence   SLIC 625 St. Lawrence   Verizon 1,088 Steuben   Armstrong Telecommunications 693 Steuben   Haefele TV 164 Tioga   Haefele TV 285 Sullivan   MTC 24 Tompkins   Haefele TV 16 Thompkins   Verizon 16 Ulster   MTC 126 Washington   SLIC 2,828 Washington   Verizon 689 Wyoming   Armstrong Telecommunications 60 TOTAL     23,470 More information about the Connect America Fund is available at https://www.fcc.gov/general/connect-america-fund-caf.   More information about the New NY Broadband Program and the Program’s Round III awards is available at nysbroadband.ny.gov and https://nysbroadband.ny.gov/new-ny-broadband-program/phase-3-awards.   Contact: Adam Kilduff | [email protected] | (212) 803-3744 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313