Gov. Beshear on Friday announced a $20.4 million investment in high-speed internet, which will connect 3,574 homes and businesses in Henderson and Daviess counties.
The state awarded more than $10.2 million to electric cooperative Kenergy to complete the work, and the company is providing $10.2 million in matching funds. A release from Beshear’s office says this project will add 652 network miles, bringing high-speed internet access to 2,353 homes and businesses in Henderson County along with 1,221 homes and businesses in Daviess County.
Beshear made the announcement during a visit to Henderson County High School.
“Right now, whenever school is on NTI, I’m always stressed because my internet has gone out lots of times,” said Drew Hagan, a junior at the high school. “Broadband access will improve not only this but many parts of our daily lives.”
Kenergy President and CEO Tim Lindahl said today’s broadband needs are what electricity was to the commonwealth in the 1930s.
“By installing infrastructure that is owned by the people it serves, giving all of the benefits back to those people, we are on pace with this funding to solve this problem for generations,” he said. “A project of this magnitude and this pace cannot be done without everyone working together, and I commend Gov. Beshear, the Office of Broadband Development, legislators, county judge-executives, all of the contractors who are calling Kentucky home for the next few years, and the board and employees of Kenergy. Together we will get this done and be the example for the nation to follow.”
Conexon Connect, Kenergy’s internet service provider partner, is working with the cooperative to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities in Kentucky.
“We share a commitment to deploying world-class fiber to the areas Kenergy serves as quickly as possible,” said Conexon Connect Randy Klindt. “The funding award announced today by the Governor’s Office helps accelerate our progress and we look forward to putting these funds to work across Daviess and Henderson counties.”
While at the high school, the Governor toured its Career and Technical Education (CTE) unit with current students. In November 2022, the Governor awarded $3.9 million to Henderson County Schools to improve the unit. With 15 different programs, it is the largest career and technical program in the state under one roof, according to a release from Beshear’s office.
“We are honored to have Gov. Beshear visit Henderson County High School and appreciate his support of career and technical education,” said HCHS Principal Amber Thomas. “Our CTE facilities are set to undergo a $4 million renovation made possible by a state grant, which will further cement Henderson’s place as a leader in vocational education.”
