Schoharie County is poised for a digital revolution. The federal government passed the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to close the remaining high-speed broadband gaps nationwide. Mobilizing Schoharie County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, a broadband impact report, and a refreshed 2015 broadband feasibility study have been summarized below. The goal is to achieve 100% broadband access in Schoharie County by 2027. 

On Friday, October 18, 2024, the Schoharie County government accepted a $30 million Municipal Infrastructure Program grant from the NYS ConnectALL office. That means Schoharie County will have 100% access to high-speed internet by December 2027. Follow SEEC as it advances with the Mohawk Valley Digital Equity planning and its own development of a tech ecosystem.

Expanding the Build: $42.4M Award & Underground Fiber Buildout

As of July 2026, Empire State Development (ESD) approved an amendment increasing the Municipal Infrastructure Program grant total for the Broadband for Schoharie County project to $42,395,160. Funded via the U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, the publicly owned, open-access network will leverage over 800 miles of existing MIDTEL fiber to build nearly 300 additional miles.

To ensure long-term reliability and meet federal requirements, the project plan now incorporates a higher ratio of underground fiber construction. Following approval from the Treasury, the final project completion date is set for June 30, 2027. Once complete, the network will reach over 4,000 locations—including virtually all unserved rural addresses across 12 towns.