Common Council approves $18M fiber broadband state grant application
Common Council voted to apply for $18 million grant through NYS Empire State Development Municipal Infrastructure Program at its meeting. Avery Magee | Photo Editor
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The Syracuse Common Council voted unanimously to apply for an $18.4 million grant through the Empire State Development Municipal Infrastructure Program at its regular meeting on Monday.
The program is a federal initiative to rebuild reliable and affordable internet in underserved rural communities. It prioritizes public ownership of high-speed internet services and open-access networks. New York state municipalities, city entities, county governments and infrastructure projects that “enable high-speed connectivity” can all apply for the grant, according to ESD’s website.
The grant is intended to design and build new fiber-optic infrastructure, connecting city facilities to Syracuse’s municipal broadband network. If awarded, it would connect more than 20 city-owned locations, including fire stations, parks, community centers and public works facilities.
The city’s existing fiber broadband network would also connect to the new infrastructure to improve digital operations and reduce future internet costs at those sites.
Syracuse is required to pay a 1% commitment fee of $184,000, which would be charged to a city budget account, per the meeting’s agenda. The project will begin during summer or fall 2026, and if awarded, the council would need to authorize a separate agreement with ESD before proceeding.
The request was brought forward by the Bureau of Research through the Office of Management and Budget, with Director Evan Loving noting that MIP funds will expire in December.
Other Business
- The council voted 8-1 to accept a $13,650 exterior sign donated by Hueber-Breuer Construction Co. for the new Public Safety Headquarters at 1153 West Fayette Street. The sign will honor late officer Michael Jensen and firefighter Ethan Cunningham. Councilor Wright cast the lone opposing vote.
- The council unanimously approved a local law granting National Grid a permanent easement on city property at Syracuse Hancock International Airport to install an underground power line to a new rental car facility on Eileen Collins Boulevard.
- The council approved an application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant budget, amending it by over $96,000.
