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Farmers and those within the agricultural industry have unique technological needs but continue to lack consistent broadband access. The state is calling for ideas as it creates a five-year plan to steer future broadband expansion efforts, and Ohio Farm Bureau would like to make sure members have a seat at the table.

The Ohio Department of Development is soliciting public comments and launching a multistop listening tour to gather input as it seeks federal dollars for expansion efforts through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The state is planning to funnel those dollars through the Residential Broadband Expansion Program, which was initially fueled with a $20 million infusion in 2021 and landed another $230 million in the last budget. This led to an initial round of substantial private investments and an impact to 52,000 households in 31 counties. 

Ohio Farm Bureau is encouraging members to share how that investment has impacted their homes and businesses, and where more work can be done to advance access to rural broadband.

Please consider attending one of the following listening tour stops and engaging with Ohio Department of Development representatives.

March 21

University of Rio Grande, Bob Evans Farms Hall

65 Bevo Francis Way, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674

2:30 p.m. – Nonprofits and Community Organizations; 4 p.m. – Ohio Residents

March 23

Guernsey County District Public Library – Crossroads Branch

63500 Byesville Rd., Cambridge, Ohio 43725

1:15 p.m. – Nonprofits and Community Organizations

March 23

Cambridge Performing Arts Center

642 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, Ohio 43725

4 p.m. – Ohio Residents

March 28

Webinar for Ohio Residents

4-5 p.m.

Attend the webinar

March 30

Xenia Community Library

76 E. Market St., Xenia, Ohio 45385

2:30 p.m. – Nonprofits and Community Organizations; 4 p.m. – Ohio Residents

April 4

Toledo Lucas County Library – Main Meeting Room

325 N. Michigan St., Toledo, Ohio 43604

2:30 p.m. – Nonprofits and Community Organizations; 4 p.m. – Ohio Residents

April 5

Webinar for Nonprofits and Community Organizations

2-3 p.m.

Attend the webinar

April 6

Findlay-Hancock County Public Library

206 Broadway St., Findlay, Ohio 45840

4 p.m. – Nonprofits and Community Organizations; 5:30 p.m. – Ohio Residents

April 12

Webinar for Ohio Residents

4-5 p.m.

Attend the webinar

April 13

The Midtown Tech Hive

6815 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44103

2:30 p.m. – Nonprofits and Community Organizations; 4 p.m. – Ohio Residents

April 20

Eastgate Regional Council of Governments

100 E. Federal St. #1000, Youngstown, Ohio 44503

2:30 p.m. – Nonprofits and Community Organizations; 4 p.m. – Ohio Residents