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WMHTBetter broadcasting
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The Rensselaer County IDA
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In 2001, WMHT Educational Telecommunications Inc., which operates multiple publicly-funded, education-focused television and radio stations throughout New York's Capital Region, was forced to look for a new home. With new federal mandates issued by the Federal Communication Commission requiring public stations to switch to a digital broadcasting platform, WMHT's current facility in Rotterdam, NY (Schenectady County) was not equipped to provide sufficient or reliable power supply to accommodate these changes. Unable to withstand the financial burden of building a new facility and with no viable prospects in sight, WMHT was in a difficult situation.
Solution:
The answer was just a click away. Understanding the cultural value (and hundreds of jobs) that WMHT brings to the community, Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency worked to secure $5.2 million in bonds to remodel a facility in the Rensselaer Technology Park. The acquisition and renovation of this new building lowered the overall cost of the project by $8 million, a significant savings when compared to building a new, modern structure – making the purchase affordable, and achievable, for WMHT. In fact, the additional funding increased the broadcaster's TV studio space and upgraded its technological infrastructure – preparing it for further growth and innovation.
Results:
Rensselaer County IDA was able to save a precious regional asset. The secured funding was critical in propelling WMHT into digital broadcasting... creating a facility the entire region can be proud of. The new facility is expected to be fully operational by summer 2005.