Nick McWilliams reporting – With broadband talks ongoing throughout the rural United States, Tuscarawas County is working to plan for growth.

The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation met with county commissioners recently to discuss their findings from recent surveys, which asked unserved residents to talk about their internet needs and available speeds.

Business Development Director James Shively says that many geographical challenges exist like hills and valleys, with speeds available to rural residents far below industry standards.

EDC President and Executive Director Marla Akridge compared the expansion of broadband to that of the implementation of advances now considered basic necessities.

“When utilities like electricity got to Appalachia, it was a game changer. It was that transformation where everyone had electricity, and broadband is the same thing. Without it, we don’t have students learning, we don’t have telemedicine, we don’t have farmers that are keeping up with the technologies.”

Commissioner Chris Abbuhl expressed concerns that if Tuscarawas County didn’t start planning and sourcing funds for internet increases, residents and businesses could be left behind.

The commissioners noted that $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds has been set aside for broadband in the county, and urged Akridge to apply for additional funding at the state and federal level.

As a part of the ConnecTusc project, the EDC is working with BroadbandOhio and the Benton Institute out of Chicago to better connect the region.

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