Wireless feasibility study approved

Posted 4/28/21

The Newburgh City Council, Monday night, approved a wireless feasibility study that would potentially provide internet access to all city residents.

“It’s been a priority of ours to …

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Wireless feasibility study approved

Posted

The Newburgh City Council, Monday night, approved a wireless feasibility study that would potentially provide internet access to all city residents.

“It’s been a priority of ours to look into the possibility of providing wireless service free of charge to the city,” said City manager Joseph Donat at last week’s council work session. He raised the possibility of using federal funds provided under the CARES Act. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or, CARES Act, was passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. This bill allotted $2.2 trillion to provide fast and direct economic aid to the American people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council discussed potential uses for wireless services that included assistance with remote learning. It can also be use for automated metering and infrastructure monitoring.

“I think that it’s very appropriate to be using our CARES funds for this,” Councilman Anthony Grice said. “We are in the process of reclaiming our street lights which has a wirelss attribute. Our traffic lights are old.”

Councilwoman Karen Meija hopes to be able to tackle the digital divide in a way that’s equitable and just for the City of Newburgh.

“This can’t come fast enough because we are already so behind,” Meija said.