ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/URBAN REVITALIZATION

Gov. Mike DeWine's administration announced Thursday the approval of assistance for eight projects expected to create 1,664 new jobs and retain 2,201 jobs statewide. During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to collectively result in more than $138 million in new payroll and spur more than $185 million in investments across Ohio.

The DeWine administration announced Thursday that BroadbandOhio will spend $50 million to support a broadband expansion project in Adams, Brown and Clermont counties meant to provide Internet access for 13,000 households and over 30,000 residents currently without high-speed service. BroadbandOhio is a division of the Ohio Department of Development (DOD) and is partnering with altafiber as part of the Multi-County Last Mile Fiber Build Pilot program. As part of the effort, altafiber will undertake the necessary design, construction and installation of equipment and infrastructure to extend its existing fiber optic network to approximately 38,000 single-family unit and multi-dwelling unit addressable locations within the service area, including 13,263 that are considered unserved or underserved. Residents and businesses in those three counties will have access to altafiber's high-speed network once the buildout is completed. The total project cost is $110 million, with altafiber providing the other $60 million.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now distributing 1.4 million copies of Ohio's new state map highlighting the "Ohio, The Heart of it All" tourism brand. "Our state map is a gateway to all things Ohio," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. "Our new map is about more than just our roads, it's a tool we can use to showcase all we have to offer in Ohio, the heart of it all!" Ohio's new state map, which debuted at the 2024 Ohio State Fair, features the latest road changes, updated routes, information on highways, byways, and points of interest. Members of the public can pick up a free copy of the map at one of the state's rest areas or order a free copy on ODOT's website at https://tinyurl.com/55s7mtxb.