St. Lawrence County
Information Technology Advisory Committee
January 24, 2008, 2:00 pm
Location: Canton Public Safety Bldg
Meeting Minutes
Present: Sign in sheet handed out (Laura Perry has on file)
1. Completed introductions of new participants (Wade Davis/OBPA, and Patricia McKeown/SLC Chamber of Commerce)
2. Reviewed Meeting Minutes – No comments or changes noted
3. Project Reports/Old Business
a. Mapping/Survey
· Work is continuing to setup up linkage to Real Property tax site so information can be obtained electronically and tracked back to TM#s. Some information has already been collected through this site, even though public announcement has not been made regarding site. Laura has developed marketing plan for survey which will include distribution of survey through North Country libraries, SeaComm FCU, Chamber, county employers, etc.
b. Newton Falls Broadband Grant
· Laura provided an update on Newton Falls Paper Mill (Mill) universal access broadband grant application which would secure funding for DANC to build out fiber from Star Lake to the Mill.
- Laura presented a draft letter of support on behalf of the SLC IT Committee for the proposed project.
- Grant application is due next week. Details are being finalized this week and application will be submitted on time.
- DANC has been asked to help find service providers to utilize fiber, should grant be successful.
- Grant assumes that 100% reimbursement will be provided to construct fiber to the Mill.
- Grant requires 1 to 1 matching contribution.
- The exact cost has not yet been finalized but is estimated at approximately $200k
- Grant will be awarded toward end of February.
- Project is estimated by DANC to take approximately 120 days from contract signing to complete.
- Public Service Commission complaint was filed by Mill after last SLC Committee meeting.
c. Organizational Structure of IT Committee & Subcommittees
· Group reiterated need to establish subcommittees.
· Discussion regarding need for “working” subcommittee meetings on day of IT Committee meetings; possibly before main meeting. Subcommittees could report in to main committee.
· The following subcommittees were selected and some members volunteered:
a. Fiber Mapping (and survey) Subcommittee
- Jon, Laura, and Pat volunteered
b. Internal County IT Issue Subcommittee (website, phone system, and other County issue)
- Francine, Mike and Phil volunteered
c. Grant Exploration Subcommittee
- Laura, Pat and Wade volunteered
d. Strategic Implementation Plan for expanding broadband access
- Kevin and Carrie volunteered
4. New Business
· Pat McKeown from the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce requested assistance from IT Committee in determining how to utilize $196k broadband grant that the Chamber will be administering.
· Wade Davis discussed need for fiber crossing on Ogdensburg CA bridge to assist industrial park customers that have businesses on both sides of the border as possible usage for Chamber funds.
· Discussion about need for provider representation level at committee. Committee still has questions about level on participation needed.
· Kevin emphasized need to coordinate w/ surrounding agencies and Counties to understand their broadband service area.
5. Action Items
· Committee members requested to sign up for subcommittees (or be volunteered).
· Laura and Carrie will meet to reissue subcommittee information.
· Internal County Subcommittee will discuss restructuring Central Services at County level which may lead to new IT Director position.
· Laura to develop meeting schedule list for year. Group elected to rotate meetings to different locations.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
St. Lawrence County IT Committee
2008 Meeting Schedule
January 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ 2nd Fl Conf Rm, Public Safety Bldg, Canton
February 28, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Ogd.
March 27, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Claxton Hepburn Hospital, Ogd.
April 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
May 22, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Clarkson University, Potsdam
June 19*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
July 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
August 28, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
September 25, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
October 23, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
November 20*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
December 18*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
2008 Meeting Schedule
January 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ 2nd Fl Conf Rm, Public Safety Bldg, Canton
February 28, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Ogd.
March 27, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Claxton Hepburn Hospital, Ogd.
April 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
May 22, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Clarkson University, Potsdam
June 19*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
July 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
August 28, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
September 25, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
October 23, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
November 20*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
December 18*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Meeting Agenda 01_24_08
St. Lawrence County
Information Technology Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
1/24/08, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
2nd Floor Conference Rm, Public Safety Building, Canton, NY
1) Welcome New Committee Members & Meeting Attendees
2) Review/accept minutes from 12/20/07 meeting.
3) Committee Organization for 2008:
Structure
Membership
Meeting times/date/format
2008 Goals
4) Project Reports:
SLC IT Work Plan –Review status & updates
1. Develop Strategic Plan for Universal Broadband Coverage
2. Develop Plan for awarding $200k Broadband Grant
3. Create Broadband Access Map to Establish Baseline & Target Areas
Report on status of garnering info from random addresses
Report on Survey of SLC Residents for availability of telecom services (Laura)
4. Explore other Grant Funding for Broadband Initiatives
a. RD Grant
b. NEW! NYS Universal Broadband Initiative
5. Assist County Website Committee with Re-Design
6. Assist County Telephone System Committee
7. Evaluate Webcasting for County Meetings
Old Business:
Service issues at Newton Falls Paper Mill
(J Demart, R Fountain, L Perry)
Application to NYS Universal Broadband Access Grant
New Business:
Questions & Discussion
Action Items for Next Meeting
Next Meeting: Date, Time, Location TBA
12-20-07 Meeting Minutes
St. Lawrence County
Information Technology Advisory Committee
December 20, 2007 2:00 pm
Location: Newtown Falls Fine Paper Company
Meeting Minutes
Present: Sign in sheet handed out (Laura Perry has on file)
1. Completed introductions of Plant staff and committee members
2. Reviewed Meeting Minutes – No comments of changes noted
3. Joe DeMart provided an overview of plant’s history, goals and technological hurdles:
History/Background
· 7 years ago plant was “shuttered”; left trained workforce and significant assets intact
· Restarted 115 year old Plant in 2/07
· 97 new jobs will have been created by the end of August 2007
· 200 tons of paper produced per day
· Performance is exceeding expectations and paper quality is “surprising everyone”
· Plant owns 4300 acres of wood basket
· Goal is to startup #3 paper machine which will create more jobs and bring work force to 120
· Transport – lack of railroad is not an issue; 16 trucks are in and out of Plant per day
· Cost of fuel is an issue of concern and Plant is beginning to explore options for utilizing biomass. Boiler is not presently suited for alternative fuel.
· $2.6 MM capital plan for next year includes some clean up of roadside. Plant has $800k allotment for telecom infrastructure including software and automated controls
· 340 vendors; 60% within 100 miles of Plant
· $200-$300k per month spent with these vendors
Technology Issues
· Reliability issues with voice and datafax; 1 of 2 T1 lines have never worked
· Telecom and Cat-5 infrastructure within the Plant is not an issue; production system is managed through some wireless and would like to pilot Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology
· Verizon has been unresponsive to addressing problem. Plant has written letters but not filed PSC incidents
· Verizon was supposed to put 2 new line sections in today (12/20) and switch over to them which they say will correct the issue. Others say problem won’t be corrected until bundle is replaced between Star Lake and Plant. Verizon gave Plant quote of $192k to replace T1 line replacement of copper.
· Survey of line performed by DANC indicates that more than single section of line will need to be replaced to correct issue.
Goal
· Reliable, redundant, robust telecommunication and data system for Plant
· Without it employees can’t do distance learning, order losses will continue, overall business negatively impacted
· Would like to explore call center/partnering and/or other broader opportunities to share secondary system with community
4. Project Reports
Discussion around utilizing Newton Falls as pilot project for rolling out universal broadband; structure grant application general enough to incorporate as many local areas (Star Lake, Cranberry Lake, etc. ) as possible; Laura will work on grant and pull in other committee resources as needed. Grant has expedited timeline.
Jon Montan handed out link to map http://www.cp.st-lawrence.ny.us/Planning/InformaionTechnologyCommittee.html
Other updates tabled due to time
5. Comments from the Chair
Laura mentioned that County Legislature is formalizing committee
Laura asked for suggestions on meeting format, etc. for the next year and mentioned that she would be needing some additional help leading meetings, etc. as she is expecting in the Spring
6. Organization
Tabled due to time
Information Technology Advisory Committee
December 20, 2007 2:00 pm
Location: Newtown Falls Fine Paper Company
Meeting Minutes
Present: Sign in sheet handed out (Laura Perry has on file)
1. Completed introductions of Plant staff and committee members
2. Reviewed Meeting Minutes – No comments of changes noted
3. Joe DeMart provided an overview of plant’s history, goals and technological hurdles:
History/Background
· 7 years ago plant was “shuttered”; left trained workforce and significant assets intact
· Restarted 115 year old Plant in 2/07
· 97 new jobs will have been created by the end of August 2007
· 200 tons of paper produced per day
· Performance is exceeding expectations and paper quality is “surprising everyone”
· Plant owns 4300 acres of wood basket
· Goal is to startup #3 paper machine which will create more jobs and bring work force to 120
· Transport – lack of railroad is not an issue; 16 trucks are in and out of Plant per day
· Cost of fuel is an issue of concern and Plant is beginning to explore options for utilizing biomass. Boiler is not presently suited for alternative fuel.
· $2.6 MM capital plan for next year includes some clean up of roadside. Plant has $800k allotment for telecom infrastructure including software and automated controls
· 340 vendors; 60% within 100 miles of Plant
· $200-$300k per month spent with these vendors
Technology Issues
· Reliability issues with voice and datafax; 1 of 2 T1 lines have never worked
· Telecom and Cat-5 infrastructure within the Plant is not an issue; production system is managed through some wireless and would like to pilot Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology
· Verizon has been unresponsive to addressing problem. Plant has written letters but not filed PSC incidents
· Verizon was supposed to put 2 new line sections in today (12/20) and switch over to them which they say will correct the issue. Others say problem won’t be corrected until bundle is replaced between Star Lake and Plant. Verizon gave Plant quote of $192k to replace T1 line replacement of copper.
· Survey of line performed by DANC indicates that more than single section of line will need to be replaced to correct issue.
Goal
· Reliable, redundant, robust telecommunication and data system for Plant
· Without it employees can’t do distance learning, order losses will continue, overall business negatively impacted
· Would like to explore call center/partnering and/or other broader opportunities to share secondary system with community
4. Project Reports
Discussion around utilizing Newton Falls as pilot project for rolling out universal broadband; structure grant application general enough to incorporate as many local areas (Star Lake, Cranberry Lake, etc. ) as possible; Laura will work on grant and pull in other committee resources as needed. Grant has expedited timeline.
Jon Montan handed out link to map http://www.cp.st-lawrence.ny.us/Planning/InformaionTechnologyCommittee.html
Other updates tabled due to time
5. Comments from the Chair
Laura mentioned that County Legislature is formalizing committee
Laura asked for suggestions on meeting format, etc. for the next year and mentioned that she would be needing some additional help leading meetings, etc. as she is expecting in the Spring
6. Organization
Tabled due to time
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Directions to Newton Falls Paper Mill
Newton Falls Paper Mill
875 County Route 60
Newton Falls, NY 13666
(315) 848-3321
875 County Route 60
Newton Falls, NY 13666
(315) 848-3321
From Syracuse:
Monday, December 17, 2007
Meeting Agenda 12_20_07
St. Lawrence County
Information Technology Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
12/20/07, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Newton Falls Paper Mill, Newton Fall, New York
1) Welcome New Committee Members & Meeting Attendees
2) Review/accept minutes from 11/15/07 meeting.
3) Discussion and update on service issues at Newton Falls Paper Mill
(J Demart, R Fountain, L Perry)
4) Project Reports:
SLC IT Work Plan –Review status & updates
a. Develop Strategic Plan for Universal Broadband Coverage
b. Develop Plan for awarding $200k Broadband Grant
c. Create Broadband Access Map to Establish Baseline & Target Areas
Report on status of garnering info from random addresses
Report on Survey of SLC Residents for availability of telecom services (Laura)
d. Explore other Grant Funding for Broadband Initiatives
RD Grant
NEW! NYS Universal Broadband Initiative
e. Assist County Website Committee with Re-Design
f. Assist County Telephone System Committee
g. Evaluate Webcasting for County Meetings
5) Comments from the Chair: 2007 Year in Review
6) 2008 Committee Organization:
Structure
Membership
Meeting times/date/format
2008 Goals
Old Business:
New Business:
Questions & Discussion
Action Items for Next Meeting
Next Meeting: Date, Time, Location TBA
Information Technology Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
12/20/07, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Newton Falls Paper Mill, Newton Fall, New York
1) Welcome New Committee Members & Meeting Attendees
2) Review/accept minutes from 11/15/07 meeting.
3) Discussion and update on service issues at Newton Falls Paper Mill
(J Demart, R Fountain, L Perry)
4) Project Reports:
SLC IT Work Plan –Review status & updates
a. Develop Strategic Plan for Universal Broadband Coverage
b. Develop Plan for awarding $200k Broadband Grant
c. Create Broadband Access Map to Establish Baseline & Target Areas
Report on status of garnering info from random addresses
Report on Survey of SLC Residents for availability of telecom services (Laura)
d. Explore other Grant Funding for Broadband Initiatives
RD Grant
NEW! NYS Universal Broadband Initiative
e. Assist County Website Committee with Re-Design
f. Assist County Telephone System Committee
g. Evaluate Webcasting for County Meetings
5) Comments from the Chair: 2007 Year in Review
6) 2008 Committee Organization:
Structure
Membership
Meeting times/date/format
2008 Goals
Old Business:
New Business:
Questions & Discussion
Action Items for Next Meeting
Next Meeting: Date, Time, Location TBA
Thursday, December 6, 2007
From the Governor's Office
I shared this with committee members and others via email, 12/6/07:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
GOVERNOR ELIOT SPITZER AND FIRST LADY SILDA WALL SPITZER LAUNCH EFFORT TO ENSURE AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET FOR EVERY NEW YORKER
December 6, 2007
Governor Eliot Spitzer and First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer today announced the formation of the New York State Council for Universal Broadband, which is charged with developing strategies to ensure every New Yorker has access to affordable, high-speed Internet service. Additionally, a Request for Proposals will be released on Friday, December 7th, to begin the process of distributing funds that were allocated in this year’s budget for competitive grants to research, design and implement accessible Internet for unserved and underserved areas of rural and urban New York. Governor Spitzer made the announcement at the New York Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting, held this year at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. Increased access to broadband service combined with digital literacy programs can dramatically improve social, cultural and educational opportunities that ultimately lead to increased job creation and economic development. This Universal Broadband initiative is a key component of the First Lady’s I Live New York initiative aimed at attracting and retaining New York’s next generation.
“As we build an Innovation Economy we must make New York the most connected and technologically advanced place to live and do business in the world," said Governor Spitzer. "Internet access is no longer a luxury. We must implement a strategy that leads to every New Yorker having access to affordable, high-speed Internet so that they may take advantage of the economic, social and cultural opportunities it provides.”
Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson said: "This new investment in the expansion of high speed internet access for our neglected urban and rural communities both narrows the digital divide and also moves us towards closing a long standing economic one. I am pleased that minority and women-owned enterprises, which have not gotten their fair shake at doing business with the state, will be required to take part in this work to make high-speed Internet available to more New Yorkers. The Governor and the First Lady, working together, are taking a significant step forward for real economic justice."
First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer said: “Developing innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships is at the core of our I Live New York initiative. At our September 18th summit, young people identified access to digital services as a key determinant in their decisions of where to live and work. I’m so pleased Dr. Mayberry-Stewart and the Broadband Council have taken the lead to expand broadband service across our state. Universal and affordable access to the tools of the 21st Century is paramount to keeping our next generation in New York and for our state’s competitiveness on the global stage.”
The Farm Bureau has called for bringing high speed internet access to underserved rural communities.
John Lincoln, President of New York Farm Bureau, said: "Farm Bureau has long recognized the need for broadband access in rural areas, where most of our members do business. Broadband is an essential business tool that our farmers require to compete in a global economy. We are grateful that Governor Spitzer is taking this initiative as part of a bigger effort to revitalize the Upstate economy."
Patrick J. Foye, Empire State Development Downstate Chairman, said:"High speed internet connectivity has become a prerequisite for doing business in today’s global economy. Increasing its availability and affordability will help small businesses compete on a broader scale, assisting their growth and attracting dollars to New York. This major initiative will make it easier for individuals and businesses to achieve their potential."
The Council will recommend a comprehensive statewide strategy that charts a course towards affordable broadband access throughout the State. This approach will seek to leverage existing resources, consider new ways to extend high-speed Internet access beyond traditional means, and recommend approaches to increase digital literacy in underserved urban and rural communities.
The Council will be chaired by New York State Chief Information Officer and Director of the New York State Office for Technology, Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart.
Dr. Mayberry-Stewart said: “The importance of developing a statewide broadband strategy cannot be overstated. Through strong collaborative public/private partnerships we can create an environment across New York State that fosters innovation, life-long learning and economic growth through greater use of technology. Governor Spitzer has a clear vision to address our challenge and I look forward to working with the Council to develop cooperative, innovative solutions for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”
Public/private partnerships will provide communities across New York State with access to high-speed Internet service and computer literacy programs needed to be competitive in today’s dynamic, technology-driven world. With increased broadband access and improved computer literacy, New Yorkers can take full advantage of resources available online around the clock, and from around the world. More and more of New York’s government services can be accessed online. These include applying for home energy assistance or tuition assistance, conducting job searches or posting career opportunities, renewing a professional license, or searching for shovel-ready building sites. Today, more than 350 state government services and transactions are available on the Internet.
The New York State Council for Universal Broadband includes the following representatives:
Patricia Acampora, Chairwoman, New York State Department of Public Service
Stephen Acquario, Executive Director, New York State Association of Counties
Peter Baynes, Executive Director, New York Conference of Mayors
Thomas Bodden, Manager of Research and Information, Association of Towns of the State of New York
Michael Borges, Executive Director, New York Library Association
Dr. Joseph Bowman, Member, New York State Board of Regents
Sharon Cates-Williams, Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Information Technology
Robert Checca, Commissioner, Nassau County Department of Information Technology
Paul Cosgrave, Commissioner, New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications
RoAnn Destito, Member, New York State Assembly
Brian Fischer, Commissioner, New York State Department of Correctional Services
Patrick Foye, Co-Chair, Empire State Development Corporation
Paul Francis, Director, New York State Division of the Budget
Dan Gundersen, Co-Chair, Empire State Development Corporation
David Hansell, Commissioner, New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance
Edward Hemminger, President, New York State Local Government Information Technology Directors Association
Patrick Hooker, Commissioner, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Dr. Donald Jacobs, Co-Chair, USNY Technology Policy and Practices Council
Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, University at Albany – College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
John Kolb, Chief Information Officer, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovation
Dr. Timothy Lance, President and Chairman, New York State Education and Research Network
Howard Lowe, Director of the Technical Assistance Center, SUNY Plattsburgh
Steve Manning, Manager of Computer Services, Greater Southern Tier BOCES Regional Information Center
Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, Chief Information Officer, New York State (Council Chair)
Bernie McGarry, Program Director, New York State Senate
Richard Mills, Commissioner, New York State Education Department
Shireen Mitchell, President & Executive Director, Community Technology Centers’ Network
Edward Reinfurt, Executive Director, New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation
Patricia Smith, Commissioner, New York State Department of Labor
The 2007-08 New York State budget appropriated $5,000,000 to provide seed money through competitive grants to promote research, design and implementation of innovative solutions to affordable Internet access for underserved urban and rural communities. Grant applications will be accepted from eligible communities and organizations that create public/private partnerships to meet the strategic goals of the Council.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
GOVERNOR ELIOT SPITZER AND FIRST LADY SILDA WALL SPITZER LAUNCH EFFORT TO ENSURE AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET FOR EVERY NEW YORKER
December 6, 2007
Governor Eliot Spitzer and First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer today announced the formation of the New York State Council for Universal Broadband, which is charged with developing strategies to ensure every New Yorker has access to affordable, high-speed Internet service. Additionally, a Request for Proposals will be released on Friday, December 7th, to begin the process of distributing funds that were allocated in this year’s budget for competitive grants to research, design and implement accessible Internet for unserved and underserved areas of rural and urban New York. Governor Spitzer made the announcement at the New York Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting, held this year at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. Increased access to broadband service combined with digital literacy programs can dramatically improve social, cultural and educational opportunities that ultimately lead to increased job creation and economic development. This Universal Broadband initiative is a key component of the First Lady’s I Live New York initiative aimed at attracting and retaining New York’s next generation.
“As we build an Innovation Economy we must make New York the most connected and technologically advanced place to live and do business in the world," said Governor Spitzer. "Internet access is no longer a luxury. We must implement a strategy that leads to every New Yorker having access to affordable, high-speed Internet so that they may take advantage of the economic, social and cultural opportunities it provides.”
Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson said: "This new investment in the expansion of high speed internet access for our neglected urban and rural communities both narrows the digital divide and also moves us towards closing a long standing economic one. I am pleased that minority and women-owned enterprises, which have not gotten their fair shake at doing business with the state, will be required to take part in this work to make high-speed Internet available to more New Yorkers. The Governor and the First Lady, working together, are taking a significant step forward for real economic justice."
First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer said: “Developing innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships is at the core of our I Live New York initiative. At our September 18th summit, young people identified access to digital services as a key determinant in their decisions of where to live and work. I’m so pleased Dr. Mayberry-Stewart and the Broadband Council have taken the lead to expand broadband service across our state. Universal and affordable access to the tools of the 21st Century is paramount to keeping our next generation in New York and for our state’s competitiveness on the global stage.”
The Farm Bureau has called for bringing high speed internet access to underserved rural communities.
John Lincoln, President of New York Farm Bureau, said: "Farm Bureau has long recognized the need for broadband access in rural areas, where most of our members do business. Broadband is an essential business tool that our farmers require to compete in a global economy. We are grateful that Governor Spitzer is taking this initiative as part of a bigger effort to revitalize the Upstate economy."
Patrick J. Foye, Empire State Development Downstate Chairman, said:"High speed internet connectivity has become a prerequisite for doing business in today’s global economy. Increasing its availability and affordability will help small businesses compete on a broader scale, assisting their growth and attracting dollars to New York. This major initiative will make it easier for individuals and businesses to achieve their potential."
The Council will recommend a comprehensive statewide strategy that charts a course towards affordable broadband access throughout the State. This approach will seek to leverage existing resources, consider new ways to extend high-speed Internet access beyond traditional means, and recommend approaches to increase digital literacy in underserved urban and rural communities.
The Council will be chaired by New York State Chief Information Officer and Director of the New York State Office for Technology, Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart.
Dr. Mayberry-Stewart said: “The importance of developing a statewide broadband strategy cannot be overstated. Through strong collaborative public/private partnerships we can create an environment across New York State that fosters innovation, life-long learning and economic growth through greater use of technology. Governor Spitzer has a clear vision to address our challenge and I look forward to working with the Council to develop cooperative, innovative solutions for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”
Public/private partnerships will provide communities across New York State with access to high-speed Internet service and computer literacy programs needed to be competitive in today’s dynamic, technology-driven world. With increased broadband access and improved computer literacy, New Yorkers can take full advantage of resources available online around the clock, and from around the world. More and more of New York’s government services can be accessed online. These include applying for home energy assistance or tuition assistance, conducting job searches or posting career opportunities, renewing a professional license, or searching for shovel-ready building sites. Today, more than 350 state government services and transactions are available on the Internet.
The New York State Council for Universal Broadband includes the following representatives:
Patricia Acampora, Chairwoman, New York State Department of Public Service
Stephen Acquario, Executive Director, New York State Association of Counties
Peter Baynes, Executive Director, New York Conference of Mayors
Thomas Bodden, Manager of Research and Information, Association of Towns of the State of New York
Michael Borges, Executive Director, New York Library Association
Dr. Joseph Bowman, Member, New York State Board of Regents
Sharon Cates-Williams, Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Information Technology
Robert Checca, Commissioner, Nassau County Department of Information Technology
Paul Cosgrave, Commissioner, New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications
RoAnn Destito, Member, New York State Assembly
Brian Fischer, Commissioner, New York State Department of Correctional Services
Patrick Foye, Co-Chair, Empire State Development Corporation
Paul Francis, Director, New York State Division of the Budget
Dan Gundersen, Co-Chair, Empire State Development Corporation
David Hansell, Commissioner, New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance
Edward Hemminger, President, New York State Local Government Information Technology Directors Association
Patrick Hooker, Commissioner, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Dr. Donald Jacobs, Co-Chair, USNY Technology Policy and Practices Council
Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, University at Albany – College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
John Kolb, Chief Information Officer, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovation
Dr. Timothy Lance, President and Chairman, New York State Education and Research Network
Howard Lowe, Director of the Technical Assistance Center, SUNY Plattsburgh
Steve Manning, Manager of Computer Services, Greater Southern Tier BOCES Regional Information Center
Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, Chief Information Officer, New York State (Council Chair)
Bernie McGarry, Program Director, New York State Senate
Richard Mills, Commissioner, New York State Education Department
Shireen Mitchell, President & Executive Director, Community Technology Centers’ Network
Edward Reinfurt, Executive Director, New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation
Patricia Smith, Commissioner, New York State Department of Labor
The 2007-08 New York State budget appropriated $5,000,000 to provide seed money through competitive grants to promote research, design and implementation of innovative solutions to affordable Internet access for underserved urban and rural communities. Grant applications will be accepted from eligible communities and organizations that create public/private partnerships to meet the strategic goals of the Council.
The strategic goals include:
- Supporting the “I Live New York” initiative to attract and retain New York’s next generation by ensuring every New Yorker has access to high-speed, affordable broadband
- Providing all New Yorkers with access to high-speed, affordable broadband Internet access for resident and businesses from anywhere, at anytime, by anyone
- Fostering economic development and building stronger public/private partnerships
- Creating jobs through innovative community-based digital literacy and technology training programs, including household technology adoption and support
- Closing the digital divide and Increasing digital literacy levels in unserved and underserved urban and rural communities
- Accelerating the use of state e-Government services offered through the Internet for residents, businesses and visitors
The New York State Office of the Chief Information Officer and the Office for Technology will issue grant applications before the end of the year and administer the broadband access grant program.
The full text of Governor Spitzer’s remarks will be made available at: http://www.ny.gov/governor/keydocs/keydocs-speeches.html
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