Commissioners Zoom's Meeting

The Richland County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on July 31, 2026, focused primarily on the announcement and discussion of a major broadband infrastructure project along Ohio's Route 30 corridor. The project, which has been in development for over three years, aims to build middle-mile broadband infrastructure to improve high-speed internet access across multiple communities, including critical anchor tenants like the 179th Cyberspace Wing of the Air National Guard. Broadband Ohio, in partnership with local governments, OARnet, and private companies such as CNI and Ohio Gig-E, has secured a $20 million contract to construct approximately 257 miles of underground fiber optic cable. The project is expected to be completed within two years from the start of construction, with the goal of enhancing connectivity for businesses, schools, healthcare, and residents, thereby supporting economic development and educational attainment in the region. The meeting included detailed explanations of the project's scope, funding, vendor selection through an RFP process, and anticipated community benefits, as well as coordination with ODOT for construction permitting and logistics.