The Eastgate Regional Council of Governments has been awarded a $1.45 million federal grant to install a broadband internet network in downtown Youngstown. The grant will facilitate the installation of 10 miles of fiber optic cable that will serve 212 business sites and create 119 jobs. The project is part of the Smart2 Network effort.
The grant is part of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization initiative, which directs federal resources to communities that have been affected by changing economics of energy production.
“We are grateful to the Appalachian Regional Commission for the investment in the Youngstown SMART2 Network project. Securing the $1.45 million in ARC POWER Grant funding will allow for the installation of fiber conduit for high speed internet along the downtown business district corridors and extend to Youngstown State University and Mercy Health. The entire project will enhance the economic revitalization efforts within the City of Youngstown and lay the groundwork for a brighter future in the Mahoning Valley.”