A04937 Summary:

BILL NOA04937
 
SAME ASNo Same As
 
SPONSORBronson
 
COSPNSRZinerman
 
MLTSPNSR
 
Amd §100-a, Ec Dev L; amd §§16-d & 16-n, UDC Act
 
Relates to certain economic development programs; requires reporting on the use of fiber-optic technology in certain economic development grant programs; adds access to high-speed broadband internet service as consideration in certain competitive grant projects.
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A04937 Actions:

BILL NOA04937
 
02/10/2025referred to economic development
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A04937 Floor Votes:

There are no votes for this bill in this legislative session.
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A04937 Memo:

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A4937
 
SPONSOR: Bronson
  TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the economic development law and the New York state urban development corporation act, in relation to certain economic development programs   PURPOSE: To assist NYS economic development and community revitalization by including high-speed broadband internet service as a consideration in certain economic development programs.   SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section 1 amends section 100-a of the economic development law in relation to reporting on the use of fiber technology in certain economic development grant programs. Section 2 amends the New York state urban development corporation act to add access to high-speed broadband Internet service as a consideration in competitive grant projects under the Urban and Community Development Program. Section 3 amends the New York state urban development corporation act to add access to high-speed broadband internet service as a consideration in grant projects under the Restore New York Communities Initiative Section 4 is the effective date.   JUSTIFICATION: The Urban & Community Development Program and the Restore New York Communities Initiative are two important programs aimed at revitalizing our local neighborhoods and communities. Whenever possible, additional steps should be taken to support the goals of these programs. One such measure that can have a meaningful impact in distressed areas is access to high-speed broadband internet. It is now undisputed that access to reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States. Further, many studies indicate that high-speed broadband is integral to improving economic development activity, expanding employment opportu- nities, increasing property values, and generally improving the quality of life for citizens. Areas in need of revitalization and renewal, such as those eligible for the above-referenced programs, should not be left out of the benefits that can be gained through high-speed broadband' internet. By adding fiber-to-the-home high-speed broadband as a factor to consider in awarding grants under these two economic development programs, local neighborhoods will be better equipped for revitalization and community residents will enjoy more opportunities and a better quality of life. Federal broadband grant programs already recognize end-to-end fiber-op- tic architecture as "priority" projects because of the benefits and advantages fiber provides. New York State should do likewise with the Urban & Community Development Program and the Restore New York Communi- ties Initiative.   LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: A7333 of 2023-24: vetoed memo.141   FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None to the state.   EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately.
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