DFT Communications and FairPoint Communications are moving forward with a plan to expand high-speed internet in the local area.

The Empire State Development Corp. held a public hearing on the plan recently in Dunkirk City Hall. No comments were entered into the record.

The corporation in May adopted a general project plan with respect to separate broadband projects by DFT of Fredonia and FairPoint of Westfield. Empire State Development is investing a combined $13.4 million to assist in the financing of the two companies’ capital projects.

DFT’s project includes the provision of broadband internet services to households, businesses and key community organizations that are currently unserved, as per a recent legal notice for the public hearing. This service will create the potential for increased business growth, public services, public safety and quality of life for Chautauqua County residents.

The DFT undertaking is expected to cost roughly $5.3 million. Empire State Development will chip in most of that funding with over $4.2 million.

FairPoint’s project includes the extension of fiber optic cable facilities to offer at least 100 megabits per second broadband services to unserved and underserved homes, businesses and anchor institutions.

The FairPoint undertaking will cost about $11.7 million. Empire State Development will contribute much of that funding with over $9.2 million.

In March, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that $212 million in New NY Broadband Program Round II grants have been awarded to projects across Upstate New York — including DFT’s and FairPoint’s. Together with existing New York state commitments, Round II grant awards will ensure that 98 percent of New Yorkers have access to the high-speed broadband required to succeed in a modern economy.

Grant awardees are required to have the network completed and operational by the end of next year, with customer installations happening during the ongoing construction and continuing for up to 24 months.

A total of 145 miles of fiber is expected to be installed in the local area.

Email: gfox@observertoday.com.

Twitter: @gfoxnews