The Daily Freeman is reporting $640,296 in federal aid has been earmarked for broadband internet development in Columbia and Greene counties. U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado May 15, announced the award through the Federal Communications Commission from the Connect America Fund Phase II Auction to Mid-Hudson Data Corp. Mid-Hudson Data will get the funds later this month and bring high-speed broadband service to 459 locations, Delgado said. The Connect America Fund Phase II Auction was created by the FCC to close the digital divide in rural America. "We have much more work to do to make sure our communities are able to be connected and ensure these technological investments are built to last," Delgado said. New York was excluded from phase one of the program and Delgado said he led the effort to include the state the second time around. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.