The Town of Richmondville may be closer to getting broadband service.
Supervisor Dick Lape and Councilman Eric Haslun attended Governor Cuomo's statewide Broadband Summit last week and came away hopeful the high-tech service would expand into their town.
Richmondville is currently working with MIDTEL to possibly provide the service, and Mr. Lape met with Jim and Jason Becker on the afternoon of the summit last Thursday in Albany.
Their project would bring broadband to rural, unserved areas in Richmondville in an effort that started years ago.
Then, Richmondville officials simply wanted to get better internet service to rural areas.
They could get no satisfaction from their cable provider, Mr. Lape said, and then MIDTEL became interested in helping.
Now, MIDTEL is applying for grants that would cover most of the $3 million to $3.5 million cost, Jason Becker said Monday.
"By the end of the year, we should know where we stand," Mr. Becker said.
MIDTEL itself would probably provide about 25 percent of the cost in cash, in-kind services and equipment, Mr. Becker said.
The entire project, if funded by grants, would bring broadband to areas that a few years ago had no hope of such service.
"We're very excited, but we're cautiously optimistic," Mr. Lape said.
Also at the summit, Mr. Lape and Mr. Haslun attended workshops and panel discussions about developing a community broadband strategy and funding opportunities.
Speakers included David Salway, director of the state Broadband Program Office and, via video, Congressman Chris Gibson.
The Congressman is a key component, Mr. Becker said.
"This is very heavily backed by Congressman Gibson," he said. "He's all for this."