Representatives of the various Cities and Towns are shown as well as Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with Massachusetts Rural Affairs Director Anne Gobi.
About the Grant Program
The Municipal Fiber Grant Program offers competitive grants to support the closing of critical gaps that exist in municipal networks. Awards are focused on connecting municipality-owned facilities and assisting municipalities in achieving critical goals associated with their fiber networks, including protection from the growing risk of cyber security exploits targeting local government, the expansion of remote work and meeting the expectations of constituents who enjoy the convenience of interacting with government online.
City of Gardner MA Awarded $200,000 Grant for Expansion of Municipal Fiber Networks
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson issued a Press Release on Friday, August 11, 2023 announcing a $200,000 grant was approved as part of the State’s Community Compact Municipal Fiber Grant Program. The money will pay for a technological upgrade streamlining IT infrastructure by connecting the School Department, Police Department, and the new location of the Waterford Street School to a single fiber optic network. For complete details, here is the Press Release, CLICK HERE.
In brief, here’s what local officials said about the grant: Mayor Nicholson stated, “This funding will do a lot of good in helping us improve our public safety efforts and our work to create a new community center at the Waterford Street School location.”
Gardner IT Director Bob O’Keefe stated,”The fiber connection to the former Waterford School will bring Internet Service without a monthly recurring cost. This will save our Senior Center approx. $60,000 over the next ten years. The savings will also be available for the non-profits that will be in that building. With the fiber the City’s Tech Dept will be able to monitor and maintain its computers, phones, and security without leaving City Hall.”
State Representative Jon Zlotnik stated, “The funds from the state are important to make sure Gardner’s IT infrastructure is caplable of serving its purpose to the fullest, and is secure.”
Gardner Fire Chief Greg Lagoy,“…will provide a dedicated, reliable connection for radio, data, and security systems from the repeater site to the City’s Public Safety agencies…”
Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, “…receipt of this grant is a financial and operational win for our City.” Complete comments in Press Release.
A total of $4 million was given as grants to 32 municipalities and school districts across the state.