Downtown Zanesville participates in Cool and Connected Planning Assistance Program

Photo by Quay DeVoll

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- There’s a new initiative aimed towards using broadband service to help revitalize downtown Zanesville.

The EPA,USDA, and the Appalachian Regional Commission selected Muskingum County to participate in the Cool and Connected Planning Assistance Program.

“Over the next several weeks teams from the federal government will be meet with the Zanesville community,” Appalachian Regional Commission, Federal Co-chair, Earl Gohl said.”The teams will talk about the assets of the community, the challenges they have in getting a more robust broadband system, and different avenues and ways in moving toward.”

Gohl is hopeful to have a plan on paper by the end of the year.

“Today is one step for a community here in Zanesville, Ohio to make that next step into the future,” Governor’s Office of Appalachia, Director, Jason Wilson said. “Ohio is unique in having state dollars to match federal dollars and what that enables us to do is do more projects.”

Wilson said he wants to make our Appalachian region a good place to work, play, and raise a family.