MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) – North Central State College is celebrating the announcement by Governor Mike DeWine and Broadband Ohio of a $20 million investment to expand broadband infrastructure along the U.S. Route 30 corridor, a project that will strengthen connectivity for communities, businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare providers across Ohio.
The Route 30 Middle-Mile Infrastructure Project will create a fiber network spanning Ohio from east to west, providing the backbone needed to expand reliable, high-speed internet access throughout the region. The project will serve communities along the Route 30 corridor, including Richland County, and support economic development, education, workforce training, and innovation.
North Central State College has been a strong advocate for expanding broadband infrastructure, recognizing the critical role reliable internet access plays in student success, workforce development, and regional economic growth.
“In serving our community, we had the vision, and we followed it with action,” said Dr. Dorey Diab, president of North Central State College. “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.”
“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. 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, healthcare, government services, and remote work. Reliable broadband strengthens opportunities for our students, employers, and communities while making our region more competitive and prosperous.”
“We are honored to see this strong public-private partnership become a reality and are grateful to Governor Mike DeWine, Speaker Matt Huffman, Representative Marilyn John, the Ohio Department of Development, BroadbandOhio, and Com Net, Inc. for their leadership in making this transformational investment possible.”
The Route 30 Middle-Mile Infrastructure Project is expected to enhance broadband capacity for community anchor institutions, including schools, colleges, libraries, healthcare facilities, and public agencies, while supporting future economic development throughout Ohio.
North Central State College looks forward to the lasting impact this investment will have on expanding educational access, strengthening workforce opportunities, and improving quality of life across the region.