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.
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.
