GENESEO, N.Y., Sept. 19, 2025 — Livingston County is proud to announce that construction is officially underway on the Light Up Livingston broadband project, a transformative initiative to expand high-speed internet access to locations in the County.
This milestone marks the transition from engineering to construction in a multi-year effort to bridge the digital divide and deliver equitable, reliable, and affordable broadband access to rural communities. Once completed, the project will bring high-speed fiber internet to thousands of locations, improving access to education, healthcare, public safety, and economic opportunity.
The partners are leveraging federal and state grants to pay for the deployment of a fiber network. In 2021, Empire Access, a local internet service provider (ISP), and Livingston County were awarded funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect grant program. This phase of Light Up Livingston is expected to be completed by December 2027. The $26.5 million from New York State’s ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP), administered by Empire State Development, funds the parties to continue to work in partnership.
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is now a necessity in today's world for families, students, seniors, and businesses alike. Expanding broadband access to every corner of our County gives all our residents the same opportunities, no matter where they live. Light Up Livingston represents a major investment in our people and the future of our community.” — David L. LeFeber, Livingston County Board of Supervisors Chairperson
Livingston County is partnering with Empire Access to provide high-speed broadband service through the newly constructed network. Empire Access is a locally based, family-owned ISP with over 125 years of experience serving communities across New York and Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Prattsburgh, N.Y., Empire Access offers fiber optic internet, phone, and security services, and is recognized for its award-winning customer service and deep commitment to rural broadband expansion.
“As a locally based provider, we understand the unique needs of rural communities, and we’re committed to delivering fast, reliable, and affordable fiber internet where it’s needed most. The Light Up Livingston project represents more than just broadband; it’s about connecting people to opportunity, education, healthcare, and economic growth. We’re honored to help bring this vision to life and serve the residents and businesses of Livingston County for generations to come.” — Kevin Dickens, Chief Operating Officer, Empire Access
The County worked closely with stakeholders and technical consultants to conduct broadband mapping, feasibility studies, and engineering design that guided the development of the network. Construction is underway in many parts of the County. Construction and engineering for the project is being led by Hunt EAS and a team of expert partners responsible for fiber network design, permitting, and installation.
“The Light Up Livingston initiative is truly special and will benefit Livingston County’s residents for years to come. The Supervisors and Planning Department seized a great opportunity with the Municipal Infrastructure Program to improve internet access, to more households, building on the momentum of the County’s previous USDA Reconnect award. Hunt is excited to continue to be part Livingston County’s successful mission of bring affordable broadband to its residents.” — Ryan Garrison, Director of Broadband Services, Hunt Engineers, Architects & Surveyors
In addition to expanding broadband availability, the County’s infrastructure will connect to Southern Tier Network and other regional infrastructure, providing enhanced network resiliency, redundancy, and scalability for future needs.
"The Light Up Livingston broadband project is a powerful example of how New York State is working with local partners to close the digital divide and deliver the infrastructure our communities need to thrive. Through the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program, we are ensuring that families, students, businesses, and first responders in Livingston County have access to reliable, high-speed internet—supporting education, healthcare, public safety, and economic growth for years to come." —Hope Knight, Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner
To learn more about the Light Up Livingston project, track construction progress, and pre-sign up for service, visit www.lightuplivingston.com. Pre-signing up ensures that you’ll be among the first notified when service becomes available in your area.
For more information about the Light Up Livingston project or to schedule interviews with project leaders, please call 585-765-6909 or email Broadband@livingstoncountyny.gov.
About Livingston County:
Livingston County is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and is home to vibrant communities, scenic landscapes, and forward-thinking local government. The County is dedicated to improving the lives of residents through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and public services.
About Empire Access:
Empire Access is a family-owned Internet Service Provider offering high-speed fiber optic internet, digital voice, and security solutions to communities across New York and Pennsylvania. With roots dating back to 1896, Empire has grown into one of the region’s most trusted providers, earning recognition for exceptional service, innovation, and commitment to rural broadband expansion. Learn more at www.empireaccess.com.
About Empire State Development:
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.