ERIENET READY TO ROLL FOLLOWING BUFFALO COMMON COUNCIL LICENSE APPROVAL
Approval of Telecommunications License Clears Path for Construction to Begin in Buffalo
NEWS RELEASE
September 5, 2024: Link to PDF
CONTACT: Melissa M. Hartman, Executive Director
Erie County, NY- Erie County’s ErieNet broadband initiative is cleared to begin construction in the City of Buffalo after the Buffalo Common Council passed a resolution approving the Telecommunications License Agreement with ErieNet, LDC on September 3. The approval is a major step towards bringing high-speed broadband access to areas of Erie County that have lacked it for years.
“Bringing high-quality broadband to Erie County begins in the City of Buffalo and the Common Council’s approval opens up the way to make that happen,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “This agreement will allow ErieNet to continue construction of over 400 miles of fiber optics throughout Erie County that will create a better-connected and more resilient community. I thank Mayor Brown and the Common Council for their action to bring affordable, high speed and reliable internet connectivity to City residents. We will grow from there!”
Thomas E. Baines, Erie County Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development as well as the Chairperson for ErieNet, LDC stated, “Today marks a significant milestone for ErieNet Local Development Corporation as we celebrate the approval of our license agreement with the City of Buffalo. By expanding our fiber optic network within the city, we are taking a substantial step forward in enhancing connectivity and digital infrastructure. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to improving the quality of life for residents across Buffalo and Erie County, demonstrating that when governments work together, we achieve great things for those we serve."
ErieNet Executive Director Melissa Hartman added, “This partnership with the City of Buffalo is exciting and I thank Daryl Springer, the City’s CIT, for his hard work to get this executed. Not only will this benefit city residents but it will also improve the municipality’s infrastructure, connecting the majority of their buildings and giving much needed resources to public safety and critical department needs.”
ErieNet is a not-for-profit, local development corporation, incorporated in September 2022, designed to provide stewardship for the construction and ongoing management of a municipal based open access fiber optic backbone that will span nearly 400 miles throughout Erie County, NY. The LDC’s mission is to create a foundation to address the broadband needs of unserved and underserved areas of our community, which will ultimately enhance economic development opportunities and promote better quality of life across Erie County.