Richland County and the surrounding U.S. Route 30 corridor in Ohio have secured $20 million in state funding to construct an open-access “middle mile” broadband network stretching from Lima to Canton. This investment marks a pivotal step toward closing the digital divide and enhancing economic resilience in north central Ohio, where many rural areas have long faced inadequate internet connectivity.
Reliable high-speed internet is now as vital as electricity or clean water, forming the backbone of education, healthcare, employment, and innovation. For students, families, and businesses in underserved regions, consistent access unlocks opportunities for remote learning, telehealth, digital entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
North Central State College, a key advocate for the project, emphasizes that digital infrastructure is essential to fulfilling its mission of delivering affordable, high-quality education and strengthening the regional labor market. Online courses, virtual advising, and remote student services all depend on robust connectivity. The new network is expected to empower rural households by linking them to educational and economic resources previously out of reach.
The funding effort was driven by sustained collaboration between local leaders, including Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero and State Representative Marilyn John. After initial setbacks—when the proposal was mistakenly directed to a federal program limited to “last mile” projects—persistent advocacy led by House Speaker Matt Huffman ensured its restoration in the final state budget.
The middle mile infrastructure will act as a backbone, enabling last-mile providers to extend services to homes and businesses across northern Ohio. This model promotes competition, affordability, and long-term sustainability in broadband access.
Beyond education, the upgrade supports broader economic transformation, including the transition of the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard to a cybersecurity mission—a major development for Mansfield. Enhanced connectivity will also benefit industrial parks, small enterprises, and public institutions throughout the region.
For North Central State College and its partners, this achievement exemplifies how coordinated vision and community engagement can drive meaningful change. Expanding broadband access not only bridges technological gaps but also strengthens regional innovation, workforce readiness, and long-term prosperity.
— news from Community College Daily
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Expanding broadband access as a catalyst for economic stability
Access to high-speed internet has become as essential to modern life as electricity or clean water. In today’s economy, broadband connectivity is the foundation for education, employment, healthcare and innovation. That is why I am proud to share that Richland County and the broader U.S. 30 corridor have achieved a significant victory: $20 million in state funding to build an open-access “middle mile” broadband network from Lima to Canton. n nThis initiative represents far more than an infrastructure project. It is an investment in people and the future of our communities. For too long, large portions of north central Ohio have lacked adequate broadband coverage, limiting the region’s economic competitiveness and creating barriers for rural students and families that often mirror those faced by urban families. Reliable internet access is no longer optional; it is the foundational element that delivers opportunities for learning, communication and prosperity. n nAt North Central State College, our mission is to provide affordable, accessible and high-quality education that strengthens the regional workforce and drives economic growth. But achieving that mission depends increasingly on digital connectivity. Online and hybrid courses, virtual advising, remote work and even essential student services all rely on internet access. We believe this project will help students and their families in rural areas connect to each other and to limitless possibilities. n nAdvocacy plan n nThe journey to secure this funding was the product of collaboration, persistence and shared vision. Two years ago, I met with Richland County (Ohio) Commissioner Tony Vero and other local leaders to explore how we could bring fiber infrastructure along the U.S. 30 corridor. Working with state Rep. Marilyn John, we engaged the Ohio House and Senate leadership to highlight the gap in broadband access across north central Ohio. Together, we shared our vision for a “middle mile” network which could serve as a backbone that enables “last mile” connections to homes and businesses to a broad swath of northern Ohio with limited access to high-speed internet. Further, we shared that this digital infrastructure was critical to sustainable regional development. n nThe process was not without challenges. The project initially advanced through the House but was misallocated to a federal program restricted to last-mile funding. After months of additional meetings and advocacy, it was restored and approved in the final state budget, especially through the efforts of Speaker of the House Matt Huffman. The result is a $20 million investment that will benefit individuals, communities, businesses and public institutions for decades to come. n nBroadband access will also support the transition of the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard into a cybersecurity mission, one of Mansfield’s most significant economic developments in recent memory. Enhanced connectivity will strengthen this vital operation while supporting industrial parks, small businesses and households throughout the region. n nAttaining the goal n nFor North Central State College and our partners, this achievement reflects the power of collaboration and community vision. By expanding broadband access, we are not only bridging the digital divide but also expanding the promise of education, innovation and economic resilience for all. n nThis is a defining moment for Richland County, and the Route 30 corridor. Together, we are building the infrastructure, and the future that our residents deserve.