(The Center Square) – Ohio plans to spend $150 million in taxpayer money to expand broadband access across the state, including in seven Appalachian counties, one of which was classified at-risk recently by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The state announced Wednesday that $94.5 million will go to 23 counties as part of the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program. The Broadband Expansion Authority authorized Broadband Ohio to give enough money to Time Warner Cable Midwest and Brightspeed for six projects in the 23 counties.
“With this action today, we are expanding the opportunity for many people in these 23 counties to participate in the modern economy, education and health care systems, which currently lack access to high-speed internet,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. “Having grown up in rural Ohio, I know firsthand how limited technology access can make people feel left behind when it comes to opportunities. We are changing that in Ohio.”
Four counties – Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbia – are in the state’s Appalachian Region. The Appalachian Regional Commission classifies Mahoning and Columbiana counties as transitional counties. A year ago, Mahoning was at-risk.
Both Ashtabula and Trumbull counties are considered at-risk counties.
Last week, the state committed another $50 million for broadband expansion in southwest Ohio, covering three counties and 30,000 people without high-speed internet access.
That money will go to Clermont, Brown and Adams counties, all Appalachian region counties at different levels. Adams is considered an at-risk county, Brown is transitional, and Clermont is classified as competitive.
“We hear from local leaders and residents every day about how important it is that they get connected,” Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik said. “Through this funding, we’re moving another step closer to ending the digital divide across the state and empowering every Ohioan with the high-speed capabilities they need to prosper and thrive.”