Akron Reporter

AKRON, OH — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement on the approval of $78 million in federal funds for broadband infrastructure in Ohio under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF).

“As a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, I proudly helped lead bipartisan legislation creating the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Program to guarantee all Ohioans have access to affordable, high-speed internet. Now, in Congress, I’m pleased to announce more than $78 million in federal funding to continue investing and expanding this innovative strategy,” said Rep. Sykes. “By closing the digital divide and connecting more communities, we’re ensuring every person in Ohio’s 13th District can access the resources they need to thrive in the 21st Century.”

Ohio is approved to receive $77.5 million for broadband infrastructure projects, which the state estimates will connect 15,000 homes and businesses to affordable, high-speed internet. This funding will go toward the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program (ORBEG), a competitive broadband grant program designed to fund last-mile broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas currently lacking access to reliable, high-speed internet.

In accordance with the Treasury Department’s guidance, each state’s plan requires service providers to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Affordable Connectivity Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, helps ensure that households can afford high-speed internet by providing a discount of up to $30 per month (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). Experts estimate that nearly 40% of U.S. households are eligible for the program.

Original source can be found here.