New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul came to SUNY New Paltz on Friday, Jan. 8 to announce a New York Broadband initiative to expand high-speed internet access to all New York residents and businesses.
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“Today we take the first major steps to take our state out of the dark ages and into the light,” Hochul said. “I’m here to announce this proposal to put up more money than any state in the nation to make not only broadband, but access to high-speed broadband, a reality for people all over the state, because the governor believes that all New Yorkers deserve a chance at economic opportunity.”
Spearheaded by Governor Andrew Cuomo, the new plan proposes to use a combination of public and private funds to bring high-speed internet access to all unserved and underserved communities in the state, and to provide faster, affordable internet access to those who already have it.
“In today’s economic landscape, high-speed internet and internet connectivity is essential to all of our life, work and businesses, including for the operations of a top educational institution like SUNY New Paltz,” said President Donald P. Christian. “Our teaching, learning and research missions rely on this capability, and our students will continue to rely on it as they leave our campus and join the world of work. I support the Governor’s initiative and applaud New York State’s leadership in broadband expansion, increasing economic and social opportunities for our students and children.”
Ulster County Executive Michael Hein was one of a number of state and local officials who were in attendance for the Lieutenant Governor’s announcement.
“One of the things we talk about on a regular basis is making sure we take actions that are strong for our economy,” Hein said. “High-speed broadband is critically important to our residents, our communities and our economy, and that’s why I’m so excited by today’s opportunity to hear about the future of this technology in New York.”
While the primary purpose of her visit was to announce the broadband plan, Hochul took the opportunity to speak with faculty and staff of the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC), the focal point of the 3D printing movement at SUNY New Paltz and in the Hudson Valley, and The Benjamin Center, a statewide think tank that publishes impactful applied research for improved government and governance in New York.
“I love coming to communities like this,” Hochul said. “It was striking to come outside today and encounter the beauty of the nature here. Strolling around campus this morning with President Christian, his pride in this great institution was so apparent – not just in its integration with the neighboring communities, but also in how it gives young people great educational opportunities.”
To commemorate Hochul’s visit to campus, Christian concluded the day’s program by presenting her with a topographic map of New York State, which had been 3D printed at the HVAMC.
Hochul was joined on campus by Audrey Zibelman, chair of the New York State Public Service Commission, and Jeffrey Nordhaus, executive vice president of innovation & broadband at Empire State Development Corporation, each of whom helped explain the details of the proposal and outline how a newly-approved merger between Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications would contribute to it.
