North Central State College is praising a $20 million state investment in broadband infrastructure along the U.S. Route 30 corridor, a project designed to strengthen high-speed internet access for communities, businesses, schools and health care providers across Ohio.
The investment was announced by Gov. Mike DeWine and Broadband Ohio, and will support the Route 30 Middle-Mile Infrastructure Project, according to a community announcement. The project will establish a fiber network stretching across Ohio from east to west, creating infrastructure intended to support expanded internet service in communities along the Route 30 corridor, including Richland County.
College leaders said the project could support educational access, workforce development and economic growth throughout the region. North Central State College has advocated for expanded broadband infrastructure, citing the role internet connectivity plays in student success and workforce training.
"In serving our community, we had the vision and we followed it with action," NCSC President Dorey Diab said. "This project was envisioned by Ohioans, will be built by Ohioans and will serve Ohioans. It is incredibly rewarding to see this initiative moving forward after first envisioning it more than three years ago, and ensuring its funding."
The Route 30 Middle-Mile Infrastructure Project is expected to provide additional broadband capacity for community anchor institutions, including schools, colleges, libraries, health care facilities and public agencies, according to the announcement.
Diab said broadband access has become increasingly important for education, commerce, health care and workforce opportunities.
"From the middle mile to the last mile, and in the age of artificial intelligence, high-speed broadband has become as essential as electricity and water," Diab said. "In addition to the airbase and its mission of cyber command, this investment will especially benefit our rural communities by expanding access to education, commerce, health care, government services and remote work. Reliable broadband strengthens opportunities for our students, employers and communities while making our region more competitive and prosperous."
Supporters say the investment could help improve connectivity in rural areas while providing infrastructure needed for future development projects across the state.
The college credited a group of state, local and private-sector partners, including the Ohio Department of Development and Com Net Inc., for advancing the project.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: North Central State celebrates broadband project for Ohio growth