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Officials working to expand broadband in Monroe County

WOODSFIELD — After securing a $400,000 grant to help provide better access to broadband in Monroe County, officials are working to determine the areas with the most need for service.

Tess Hill, technology coordinator at Switzerland of Ohio Local School District, is working with Southeast Ohio Broadband to provide better broadband service in the county. She said they recently secured a grant through Appalachian Regional Commission to help do just that, but first they need to locate the areas in the county that are most lacking internet capabilities.

“There were only three counties in Ohio to qualify and we were one of them,” she said of the funding. “Not only does it focus on student’s needs for internet connection, but it also focuses on communities who don’t have good internet connection.”

On Monday, Hill met with Commissioners Mick Schumacher and Diane Burkhart to determine a date for a public meeting. The meeting will allow those working on the project to receive feedback from residents and help gauge possible target areas.

“We want to get community members and leaders together at a meeting and we can all join in on getting information,” she said. “…We want to reach out to different groups in the county to get them all involved if they want to be involved.”

Hill said she wants to ensure there is adequate community involvement in the decision on where to build the possible towers or signal extenders. Southeast Ohio Broadband is currently working on the design plans.

“We’re trying to build something out that will be close to the radius of the actual center of the connectivity. That’s why we’re trying to get the actual needs of the communities who are worse off and the most people we can cover by where we choose,” she said.

Additionally, consultants will be available to answer any questions members of the community may have, she said.

Hill also mentioned another grant that was obtained that helped provide 190 families in the district with free internet service. She said students without broadband were given a wifi unit and free service for the school year. The program will be offered again this year as well, she added.

After some discussion, a date was selected for the meeting. A public meeting to gain community input is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at Monroe Central High School located at 469 Lewisville Road in Woodsfield.

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