DeWine launches new grant program to expand high-speed internet access
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor, Jon Husted announced on Friday that the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant will begin accepting applications online Monday, Sept. 6.
The grant is part of House Bill 2 of the 134th General Assembly, which was signed into law by Governor DeWine on May 17, 2021.
The program will provide $250 million in grants to internet service providers for the construction of broadband projects that improve high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas in Ohio.
Governor DeWine says this is a key investment in eliminated the digital divide in Ohio.
"Connecting our rural and underserved area with reliable internet service will help bring these communities up to speed with the rest of the state and will be a driving force for economic growth," DeWine said.
Internet service providers can apply from Monday, Sept. 6 to Monday, Nov. 8 at 5:00 p.m. Applications will be reviewed by the Ohio Department of Development and BroadbandOhio. Eligible applications will be sent to the Ohio Broadband Expansion Program Authority for approval and funding.
ISPs can apply in one of four ways:
-Online via Ohio Development Service Agency's Broadband Expansion Grant Application webpage
-Via certified mail
-Via email
-In person
More information can be found on BroadbandOhio's website.
