Governor Strickland Names Congressman Zack Space To Ohio Broadband Council

Nomination Reflects Strides Space has Made in Highlighting Need for Broadband in Appalachian Region

Media Contact: Matt Thornton
202-225-6265

Washington, DC -- November 28, 2007 -- Reflecting his leadership in the efforts to expand high-speed broadband access to rural Ohio, Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) has been named by Governor Ted Strickland to serve on the newly formed Ohio Broadband Council. With the Council tasked with connecting all of Ohio to this vital infrastructure, Space will be able to bring his unique insight and experiences from his own Appalachian Ohio Broadband Taskforce to the larger statewide effort.

This is the first time in the history of the Strickland Administration that a sitting Member of Congress has been invited to participate in a gubernatorial council.

“I am honored that Governor Strickland has invited me to join on this Council,” Space said.  “We have made some great progress in Southeastern Ohio toward bringing broadband to everyone, and I am sure I can bring my experiences to the statewide effort.”

“Governor Strickland knows as well as I do that the future of Ohio’s economy depends on our ability to compete in the modern, high-tech economy. If we do not have this infrastructure in place, there is no question that we will be left behind. Every day we do not have broadband is another day that companies will bypass the Ohio when looking to relocate.”

“Simply put, our economic future depends on the availability of broadband access,” Space continued.

According to the directive from the Governor’s office, the Council will address the following:

• Direct a unified, statewide broadband development effort
• Develop the phased implementation of Broadband Ohio
• Develop a strategic plan for statewide broadband deployment, determining the resources necessary for its implementation
• Coordinate all broadband activities that receive state-appropriated funds and pursue new federal and private-sector investments in broadband
• Establish policies and promote new public and private broadband networking investments
• Develop a strategic plan to achieve digital inclusion

Space will join two members of his Appalachian Ohio Broadband Taskforce, Stan Ahalt and Gary Little, on the statewide Ohio Broadband Council.

Congressman Space has represented Ohio’s 18th Congressional District since 2007, and he is working to restore integrity to the office, expand Ohio’s economy, and support renewable energy.