A resolution concerning releasing funds for a regional feasibility study for rural internet has been approved following action taken by the Caldwell County Fiscal Court.
At a meeting Tuesday morning Lake Barkley Partnership for Economic Development Executive Director Amanda Davenport addressed the court stating that she was working with leaders from Caldwell, Lyon, Livingston, and Crittenden counties, as well as the Pennyrile Area Development District (PADD), to figure out ways to provide reliable rural internet services. She added that the Minnesota based company, NEO Partners, had proposed to conduct a feasibility study through their Community Network Quickstart Program.
Davenport explained that the study would provide communities with realistic options, costs, and basic background information for a variety of deployment opportunities surrounding the installation of broadband in rural areas. The study, which would include all four counties, would cost about $24,000, but Davenport noted that with the help of the PADD office they would be applying for a grant through the Kentucky Ag Development Board for half of the cost. The remaining $12,000 would then be split between the four counties.
She stated that Caldwell County’s portion of the funds, totaling $3,010, would come from recently released TVA funds and would be facilitated through the local IDA following court approval.
After a motion and a second and a roll call vote the court unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the IDA release the appropriate funds for the feasibility study.
