SHERBURNE – Village and town officials in Sherburne and Columbus have secured a $6.9 million state grant that they say will improve internet connectivity for businesses and residences in the area that have long been burdened by bad internet service.

Funds were awarded through New York’s ConnectALL initiative, a state-wide effort that seeks to build digital infrastructure and internet access in all regions. The grant will allow the townships to run fiber optic cable on existing utility poles to provide broadband internet access to homes and businesses.

The effort to secure funding was a joint venture between the towns of Sherburne and Columubus and the Village of Sherburne. Allocations make it possible for homes and businesses to tentatively see high-speed broadband in the area over the next two years.