GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES BIG INVESTMENTS FOR BROADBAND EXPANSION

Kentucky took a step toward closing its digital divide when Gov.

Andy Beshear announced $203 million in broadband investments - with the promise of more to come to connect areas with no internet access or chronically slow service.

The plan looks to combine a major infusion of federal funds backed by Democratic leaders in Congress with matching money to attain a longrunning, bipartisan goal that has long eluded Kentucky's leaders.

Previous efforts have fallen short of bringing the internet to remote parts of the state, where leaders have long viewed it as a key to future economic viability. The persistent lack of access in some parts of the state was laid bare during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, where remote work and schooling were both hampered by significant gaps in connectivity.

The round of investments announced this week will be split into 46 grant awards to 12 internet service providers and local governments spanning 35 counties. The grants will deliver reliable internet to more than 34,000 Kentucky families and businesses, the governor said.

"Everybody needs it," Beshear said. "Everybody deserves to have access to it!"

The investments include $89.1 million from the state's share of federal pandemic aid that state lawmakers earmarked for broadband expansion, Beshear said. Grant recipients pledged to match those contributions, raising total investments for this round to more than $203 million.