$25 Million Broadband Access Initiative Announced

Officials gathered in front of Town Hall this morning to announce the $25 million Broadband Incentive Fund.

BECKET, Mass. — Members of the Berkshire delegation joined key Patrick administration officials at Town Hall this morning to announce a new initiative aimed at providing high-speed Internet service to underserved and unserved towns in the commonwealth by a 2010 target.

"Today's announcement is not only about bridging the digital divide; it's about bringing new economic development opportunities into every neighborhood. This area, along with too many areas in Massachusetts, have frequently felt like they were in the breakdown lane of the information superhighway and in some communities it's even worse than that -- they may be prevented from even getting on the on-ramp," said Stan McGee, the state's director of wireless and broadband development.

"Right now, we have 32 towns in Massachusetts without any broadband whatsoever and 63 that are underserved. Frankly, that's not acceptable in a state based on a knowledge economy," McGee continued.

The $25 million Broadband Incentive Fund focuses on developing public and private partnerships in communities throughout the state that do not have broadband access. Managed by a special division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the fund will enable the state to use up to $25 million toward for broadband infrastructure tools like conduits, fiber and wireless towers, which the Patrick administration hopes will spur private investments.

State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, said affordable, accessible broadband would tremendously impact his constituents.

"I can think of no bigger economic development tool than this effort that is being launched here today," said Pignatelli.

Pignatelli used an anecdote that starred an Egremont resident to illustrate the importance of moving forward with the initiative.

"Last night, at 11 [p.m.], a constituent of mine in Egremont hit send on the computer to file necessary paperwork with the Department of Revenue. At 7:30 this morning, on her dial-up network, it was still going," he said. "Next year or the year after, my constituent in Egremont won't have the same problem."

State Rep. Denis Guyer, D-Dalton, said the installation of universal broadband will connect the entire state.

"The kids who go to school in Becket and the business owners in Becket and the residents in Becket deserve the same economic opportunities as people in Boston," he said.

Also on hand were State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, state Rep. Daniel Bosley, D-North Adams, Donald Dubendorf, president of Berkshire Connect Inc., state Rep. Stephen Kulik, D-Worthington, Daniel O'Connell, the state's secretary of housing and economic development, Sharon E. Gillett, the new commissioner of the Department of Telecommunications and Cable, Deputy Director for MTC and Director of the John Adams Innovation Institute Patrick Larkin and Linda Dunlavy of Pioneer Valley Connect.

"To be viable and competitive in the information age, we must commit to invest in the infrastructure needed to serve every student, every business, and every home in the Commonwealth. With this announcement, we lay the plans to do just that. The ripple effects from this will touch every corner of every community in Western Massachusetts," said Downing.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.