Not since railroads and highways transformed access to the Adirondacks has the region stood poised to dramatically improve the area’s connectedness over a more metaphorical “highway.”
Dozens of collaborators—regional advocates, economic development officials, local/regional elected officials, and state/federal agencies—are working to take advantage of one part of the 2021 federal infrastructure law designed to expand availability of broadband internet access to even the most remote areas. One area activist describes the effort in terms of global events.
“It took a worldwide pandemic to remind us how critical access to broadband is here and elsewhere,” says Dave Wolff, member of the board of directors at AdkAction, a Keeseville-based non-profit that advocates for the region.
Other regional officials point to the medical needs of residents. District 7 Franklin County Legislator Melinda Ellis says the use of internet links is critical for health
