OH HB190

Creates the Ohio Broadband Development Grant Program administered by the Director of Development Services to fund broadband infrastructure expansion in unserved areas of the state.

Grants may be awarded to private businesses, political subdivisions, nonprofit entities, and cooperatives for construction of middle-mile and last-mile broadband infrastructure, with maximum awards of 50% of project cost or $5 million, whichever is less.

Prioritizes grant awards to areas with the slowest internet speeds, with secondary consideration for projects serving economically distressed areas, community institutions, economically important uses, and greater project leverage.

Establishes a challenge process allowing existing broadband providers to contest grants by demonstrating they already serve or commit to serve the project area within 24 months at federal benchmark speeds.

Appropriates $50 million for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to fund the grant program and encourages the Department of Transportation to coordinate with telecommunications providers to lay fiber optic cable along state highways.