The Kentucky Broadband Deployment Program has selected applications submitted by All Points Broadband to receive $21.5 million in grants to support the deployment of fiber broadband in Central Kentucky. Combined with All Points’ private investment and additional support from partnering counties, these grant funds support projects representing an additional 545 miles of fiber broadband infrastructure in Mercer, Woodford, and Shelby Counties. In total, the projects awarded today will connect 5,845 currently unserved and underserved homes and businesses with All Points’ world-class fiber broadband network.
“All Points Broadband is thrilled to continue expanding our existing service offerings across Central Kentucky and bring fiber broadband to communities we call home,” said Jimmy Carr, CEO of All Points Broadband. “All Points Broadband partners with local governments to deliver universal fiber broadband solutions and we are committed to helping bring universal fiber broadband to every unserved Kentuckian. We thank Governor Beshear and the General Assembly for their leadership on bridging the digital divide.”
The Kentucky Broadband Deployment Program assists governmental agencies and private sector entities expanding broadband service in unserved areas of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With approximately $196 million in funding available, the Program received applications requesting $483 million, which were scored on a competitive basis.
Mercer County
The Mercer County project will result in 301 fiber miles to provide broadband to 3,332 unserved homes and businesses. The $26 million total project cost is funded through $15.1 million grant from the Kentucky Broadband Deployment Program, $9.4 million in private investment from All Points Broadband, and $1.48 million in local match from Mercer County. “We are excited for Mercer County residents to have the opportunity to gain access to reliable internet service,” said Mercer County Judge/Executive Sarah Steele. “This is a vital resource for all citizens. It is an important step forward. We are thankful to be awarded this project and excited to see the impact it has in our area.”
Woodford County
The Woodford County project will result in 184 fiber miles to provide broadband to 1,850 unserved homes and businesses. The $16.6 million total project cost is funded through $4.9 million grant from the Kentucky Broadband Deployment Program, $8.5 million in private investment from All Points Broadband, and $3.1 million in local match from Woodford County. “Woodford County is making the biggest investment in high-speed internet ever because for today’s education and economy to work for everyone, from our farms to the Kentucky River valley, and especially for our children, internet access is as important as electricity, water and basic services,” said Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay. “We would not be able to deliver high-quality internet without state support and the leadership of Gov. Beshear and the partnership with All Points Broadband.”
Shelby County
The Shelby County project will result in 60 fiber miles to provide broadband to 663 unserved homes and businesses. The $4.9 million total project cost is funded through $1.4 million grant from the Kentucky Broadband Deployment Program, $2.8 million in private investment from All Points Broadband, and $622 thousand in local match from Shelby County. “We are delighted to hear that the Governor’s office has awarded these funds that will bring broadband to underserved portions of Shelby County,” said Shelby County Judge/Executive Dan Ison. Magistrate Brock Lisby, Chairman of the Fiscal Court’s Broadband Committee said: “Shelby County has committed to this important project that will bring high speed internet to underserved areas of Shelby County for our children’s education, farms, and businesses. We are thankful for this partnership with All Points Broadband, as we move Shelby County forward.”
About All Points Broadband
All Points Broadband empowers communities by bringing fiber-to-the-home broadband to unserved & underserved markets in the mid-Atlantic region. Through true public-private partnerships, All Points has secured more than $320 million of broadband grant funding for the areas we serve and matches that funding with direct private investments. All Points’ lead equity sponsor is Searchlight Capital Partners, the nation’s premier investor in FTTH networks. Learn about our success closing the digital divide: https://partner.allpointsbroadband.com/.