The state of Ohio is calling for ideas as it creates a five-year plan to steer future broadband expansion efforts, and we would like to make sure Ohio Farm Bureau members have a seat at those tables. Farmers and those within the agricultural industry have unique technological needs, but continue to lack consistent broadband access.
The Department of Development is soliciting public comments and launching a multi-stop listening tour to gather input as it eyes a potential slice of $42.45 billion in 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, a fund launched in 2021 that during its initial round of investment awarded $232 million to finalize projects across the state.
Initially fueled with a $20 million infusion in 2021, the program landed another $230 million in the last budget (HB110, 134th General Assembly), leading to an initial round of awards officials believe represents about $250 million in private investment and an impact to 52,000 households in 31 counties.
And we want to hear how that investment has impacted your home and business, and where more work can be done to advance the access of those in rural Ohio. We invite you to attend the following listening tour stop and engage with representatives for the Department of Development:
Listening Session 7 – Cleveland
April 13
The Midtown Tech Hive
6815 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44103
10:30 a.m. – Businesses and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
1 p.m. – Local Government
2:30 p.m. – Nonprofits and Community Organizations
4 p.m. – Ohio Residents
On this Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast, learn about an accelerator program helping communities tap into state funding and tap into more reliable internet. Plus, find out what goes into a good farm estate plan.
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You are invited to a listening session to share your perspective on high-speed internet access in your area.
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Ohio Farm Bureau is encouraging members to share how rural broadband investment has impacted their homes and businesses, and where more work can be done to advance access to rural broadband.
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BroadbandOhio estimates that around 230,000 residents will have improved broadband availability thanks to the 104 new expansion projects.
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It takes time to both build community support and then to build out the fiber network itself, but Ohio Gig doesn’t go into a community looking for a monetary investment, but a credibility one.
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Earlier this year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 2 into law, creating the Ohio Broadband Expansion Program. Then, as…
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