BROADBAND EFFORT

The funding for the CBN Connect broadband network addresses one of the largest disadvantages the tri-county region faces, Spitzer said.

"The lack of broadband access holds this region back in countless ways."

The lack of affordable, high-speed broadband access hurts small businesses, research institutes, first responders and health-care facilities, among others.

The state grant matches an already secured federal grant. The design phase of the broadband network is expected to take about one year, followed by three to five years for construction.

CBN Connect Advisory Board Chairman Andrew Abdallah said Spitzer spoke eloquently about the need for affordable, high-speed broadband access. He said it was a credit to the work that has been put in by the Technical Assistance Center at Plattsburgh State and its consulting partners.

"I'm really excited to hear the governor's commitment to this program. I believe this is the single most important economic development project for this area."

The Development Corporation President Adoré Flynn Kurtz said an important aspect of Spitzer's announcements shows that the governor and his team understand what the North Country needs.

"They have been so careful to target the things we need," she said.

Broadband is enormously critical, Kurtz said, and the way to make the airport self-sustaining is to locate successful industries, especially aviation and aerospace industries, around it.

LISTENING

Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said he's incredibly satisfied with the Spitzer administration when it comes to economic development.

"They have been listening. We have consistently said the airport and broadband are our top priorities. He hit on them today."

A third priority is to expand on the Quebec-New York Corridor, and the governor has committed to be part of the fourth Quebec-New York Summit next year.

"He has addressed our top three priorities. You can't ask for more than that," Douglas said.