CHARLES E. SCHUMER
NEW YORK
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WASHINGTON. OC 20510
July 26, 2012
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
BANKING
DEMOCRATIC POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS
FINANCE
JUDICIARY
RULES
I write to express my concern regarding a case currently before the Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) involving thc Carnesville Block Company (CBC) of St. Johnsville, New
York. As you may be aware, CBC has endured unforeseeable challenges in its efforts to establish
much-needed radio service in rural upstate New York. The extraordinary floods, hurricane, and
earthquake which have so hampered the construction work of CSC also underscore the regional
need for reliable radio service. I would urge the FCC to provide full consideration to the CSC's
Petition for Waiver and Reinstatement of Construction Permit Nunc Pro Tunc.
As you may be aware, the petition currently before the FCC seeks reversal of a ruling issued by
the Audio Division, which denied a waiver to allow CSC additional time to complete the
minimal remaining requirements to file a license application. While I appreciate the importance
of adhering to deadlines in order to facilitate timely completion of the Commission's work, I
would urge the commission to also weigh the broader needs and interest of this community.
Time and time again the Commission has managed to conduct this balancing test in order to best
serve the broader public good.
The CBC worked through extraordinary unforeseeable challenges, which include natural
disasters (devastating flooding, an earthquake and a tornado) as well as the last minute
abandonment of the project by an independent contractor. These challenges directly resulted in
not only disaster declarations within the state but CSC project delays, which warrant the FCC
consideration.
There is no question that the upstate New York would be stronger- and safer -with increased
local radio service in the future. As expressed in the CSC pleading, the proposed station would
include programming with frequent local news casts, talk shows, children's programming and
broadcasts aimed at the needs of schools and other anchor institutions. Additionally, a station
would enable local first responders and residents to communicate during future floods and
storms, as well as in other emergencies. At the same time, it is difficult to see what harm would
be caused by the waiver the CBC seeks. I would urge the FCC to provide full consideration to
the CSC's Petition for Waiver and Reinstatement of Construction Permit Nunc Pro Tunc.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Q:LlY~
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator* hup:lIschumer.senet8.gov