FIVE GROUPS TO RECEIVE PLANNING ASSISTANCE TO HELP IMPLEMENT LOCAL BROADBAND SERVICE IN OHIO’S APPALACHIA REGION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced that five groups in Ohio’s Appalachian region will receive planning assistance to help implement or improve local broadband service in their communities.

“These communities will now have the ability to begin with plans to implement local broadband service,” said Johnson. “Implementing widespread broadband service will have positive outcomes because it will encourage companies to relocate or expand in the region. Appalachian counties that have already implemented broadband technology are noticing the benefits.”

The Rural Ohio Technology Infrastructure Group (TIG), a collaboration of public and private agencies dedicated to bringing high-speed telecommunications services to remote, rural areas of Ohio, will provide for a consultant to assist the five groups in preparing the preliminary plans and assessments necessary to implement local broadband networks in their community clusters. The Governor’s Office of Appalachia (GOA), a division of the Ohio Department of Development and a member of the TIG, will assist in the planning efforts.

The following groups that will receive planning assistance are: the Northern Appalachia Group for Tuscarawas and Coshocton counties; GMN Tri-County Group for Guernsey and Noble counties; Southeastern Ohio Group for Morgan and Washington counties; Hocking Hills Group for Hocking and Perry counties; and Southern Ohio Group for Vinton, Jackson, Gallia and Meigs counties. Each group is to have a plan completed by October 31, 2004.

The project, known as the “Appalachian Regional Telecommunications Planning Program,” is one of many recommendations that resulted from the Access Appalachia study of the availability and reliability of broadband services throughout Ohio’s Appalachian region. The Taft Administration has been a strong supporter of technology issues in the region. Funding for the planning program is coming from the Appalachian Regional Commission, a state and federal organization created by Congress in 1965. Access to the ARC money is being provided through local matching funds.

The GOA facilitates economic and community development in the 29 Appalachian counties of Ohio. The office, involved with both short- and long-term planning, also serves as an advocate for the region by developing policy and promoting specific projects and proposals that originate from the regions residents.