(Kingston, NY) The annual journey across state lines to prepare for family Fourth of July festivities may unnecessary this year, if Legislator Richard Gerentine’s (District 11 – Marlborough) proposed local law passes.  With consumer firework revenue at $664 million in 2013, this proposed local law will actually generate new revenue for Ulster County when other economic development strategies, such as a casino, have not.

I would like to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his diligence and determination in addressing vital rural infrastructure through the New NY Broadband Program.  With the proposed $1 billion investment in the deployment of broadband in unserved and underserved areas, this program moves the initiative beyond just talk to actual installations.  With this kind of hard work and financial commitment Broadband installation will exponentially grow the economic development needs of rural Ulster County.