Knox Co. to Receive Broadband Access Support

[from Senator Sherrod Brown's Newsroom]

Project to Expand Broadband Access in Morrow, Northern Delaware, Western Knox and Licking Counties

WASHINGTON, DC – Late last month, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Sec. Tom Vilsack to outline how more than $2 million in new funds for Ohio broadband expansion will help stimulate new economic growth and create jobs. Brown and Vilsack were joined by U.S. Reps. Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) and Zack Space (OH-18).

Vice President Biden previously announced Ohio will be one of the first states to receive funds through the USDA’s Recovery Act broadband grant and loan programs. More than $7 billion in recovery funds will be invested in broadband projects, $2 billion of which will be made available on a rolling basis over the next 75 days.

“As we work to chart a stronger future for our rural communities, broadband infrastructure will play an important role in creating new economic opportunities and help put more people to work,” Sec. Vilsack said. “The broadband funding we are providing will bridge the digital divide in areas of the country that have been historically underserved, while strengthening local and regional schools, businesses and healthcare institutions.”

“This project is about creating jobs for Ohio families and opportunities for Ohio businesses,” Sen. Sherrod Brown said. “It will help our small towns compete successfully in new markets. Expanding broadband is critical to ensuring the prosperity and continued legacy of all our state’s communities.”

The USDA is providing the Consolidated Electric Cooperative (CEC) with a grant worth $1 million and a loan worth nearly $1.4 million. These funds – which are being matched by $1.2 million from the company – will fund construction of a 166 mile ‘middle mile’ network that will bring major city connectivity into underserved areas of Northern Delaware County, Morrow County and the western portions of Knox and Licking Counties.

This investment will enable nearly 5,000 homes in the area access to broadband service for the first time.  With an open network design, nearly 50 local community institutions, offering libraries, schools, hospitals, community centers and fire stations will have a choice of providers offering direct connection to broadband to improve their network speed and help them provide critical services.  The expansion has the potential to improve the quality and lower the cost of broadband for 2000 businesses located in the service area.

“Broadband is a vital piece of infrastructure needed to support long-term economic growth in our region,” Rep. Space said. “Investing in this technology has the potential to attract businesses and jumpstart the economy of Southeastern and Central Ohio.  I am encouraged to see that the Secretary is making such an important and serious commitment to bringing broadband technology to our rural areas.”

“Broadband Internet access will help create jobs in the long and short term, foster growth of our local small businesses, and help children in more rural school districts to gain access to learning tools that enable them to be successful,” Rep. Kilroy said. “Broadband Internet access is an effective tool in the fight to turn around our economy.”

“I am grateful to Secretary Vilsack and President Obama for providing stimulus funds for broadband development,” Gov. Ted Strickland said. “These funds will allow Consolidated Electric Cooperative to play a key role in bridging the digital divide in the North Central Ohio area and support economic growth in the region.”

Brown is a leading voice in Congress on expanding broadband access to Ohio small towns. During the debate over the Recovery Act, Brown authored an amendment with Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) to increase USDA funding for broadband. As a result of their efforts, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 directed $2.5 billion through the USDA to target rural and underserved communities.

In August, Brown hosted summit connecting more than 200 potential Ohio broadband providers with USDA officials responsible for the administration of federal funds. The CEC attended Brown’s forum. Earlier this year, Brown wrote to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke urging their support for Ohio broadband grant applicants. More information about Brown’s advocacy can be found HERE.

Tags: Mary Jo Kilroy, Sherrod Brown, Ted Strickland, Zack Space