Scott County awarded major federal grant for broadband expansion

Scott County has been announced as a recipient of a major federal grant to expand broadband infrastructure and access.

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced Feb. 25, it has awarded 13 grants as part of the Broadband Infrastructure Program, according to a press release from the office of Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington.

The Scott County Fiscal Court was awarded $3.1 million to expand the county’s broadband infrastructure. Scott County will use the grant to construct last-mile fiber to reach unserved households, community anchor institutions, and businesses, and the award is expected to finance a 406-mile expansion of broadband infrastructure that will reach all rural areas in Scott County, including 5,351 currently unserved households.

“This is a great day for Scott County. We have hit a grand slam for our community,” Covington said. “I am proud of the vision of the Fiscal Court and its commitment to our broadband project. Fiber to the home broadband connectivity will assure that our entire community has the ability to take advantage of online education, home-based business, and tele-health opportunities. Broadband will help with the continued growth of economic opportunities for all our citizens.

“We are very thankful to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson and the entire team for considering our community’s application and recognizing the impact of the award in extending fiber to the home connectivity to approximately 5,351 unserved homes in rural Scott County. The Fiscal Court is appreciative of the efforts of Leader Mitch McConnell and Congressman Andy Barr for advocating for our citizens and our future,” said Judge/Executive Covington.

These grants, totaling more than $277 million, will be used to connect more than 133,000 unserved households. The grants were awarded in 12 states and one territory.