News Release - Statement by Mayor Thomas S. Richards on FCC Approval of Windstream, PAETEC Merger

City of Rochester

News Release

(Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011) – Today’s announcement that the Federal Communications Commission has approved the proposed merger of the Windstream and PAETEC Corporations is tremendous news for Windstream and the city of Rochester. Combined with last week’s news that the state Public Service Commission also approved the merger, these developments mean Windstream has cleared two important hurdles and can move forward with a plan that will bring as many as 335 employees to downtown Rochester, providing a major boost to our Midtown Rising development project.

The long-term lease agreement between Windstream and the City is contingent upon these approvals, so I am grateful to both agencies for moving forward so quickly. The City Council is scheduled to consider this agreement at its December meeting. I look forward to working with Council so we can maintain the momentum that is building behind the Midtown Rising development and bring a new prosperity to Windstream and downtown Rochester.

-30-

News Media: For more information, contact Gary Walker at 428-7405.