COVINGTON, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear presented more than $8.6 million to expand high-speed internet access in Owen County, $2.7 million for career and technical education in Grant County and $1.1 million for other awards benefitting Campbell, Grant and Pendleton counties.
“High-speed internet is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity for work, school and more, and we’re going to make sure every home and business in Kentucky has access. Today’s awards will connect 2,246 unserved homes and businesses in Owen County,” Gov. Beshear said Wednesday at the Opal Rooftop restaurant. “We’re also supporting career and technical education, tourism, law enforcement, cleaner water and road improvements across Northern Kentucky, so every family has the support and opportunity they deserve.”
At the event, Gov. Beshear announced plans for a pilot project to determine whether transparent noise barriers within a section of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor in Covington can effectively block traffic noise without obstructing the view. To learn more, see the full release.
“This is yet another example of how the Transportation Cabinet, under the direction of Secretary Jim Gray and Gov. Beshear, is taking the time to sit down with local leaders, listen to our concerns and work to address them,” Covington Mayor Joe Meyer said. “We look forward to seeing these transparent noise barriers erected so we can gauge how well they work.”
The governor also announced his administration will donate land to the Kenton County Fiscal Court to support local emergency management operations. To learn more, see the full release.
“This property will greatly improve our emergency response and point of distribution capabilities,” said Steve Hensley, director of Kenton County Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Obtaining this property will give us the ability to securely house and maintain our equipment in one central location, which will improve our ability to respond quickly throughout the county. This will, without question, improve emergency response services for all of the residents.”
High-Speed Internet Expansion in Owen County
Gov. Beshear presented $8.6 million to Broadlinc to expand high-speed internet access to 2,246 unserved homes and businesses in Owen County. In addition, Broadlinc is committing $5.4 million in private funds to these projects, bringing the total investment in Owen County to more than $14 million. To learn more, see the full release.
Campbell County Awards
- Beshear presented $28,642.80 to the Alexandria Police Department from the Law Enforcement Protection Program.
- Beshear has recommended to the National Park Service that $25,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund go to the city of Bellevue to expand and renovate O’Fallon Park.
- Beshear has recommended to the National Park Service that $25,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund go to the city of California to install new playground equipment.
- Beshear has recommended to the National Park Service that $25,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund go to the city of Southgate to replace tennis courts with a small park.
- Beshear presented $15,756 to the city of Bellevue from the Law Enforcement Protection Program.
Grant County Awards
Gov. Beshear presented:
- $2.7 million to Grant County Schools to support career and technical education;
- $88,570 from the American Rescue Plan Act to the Grant County Tourist & Convention Commission for tourism marketing;
- $40,000 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to the city of Williamstown for resurfacing on Draper Road;
- $31,113 from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund to Lovesome Stables;
- $12,605 from the Energy and Environment Cabinet to the Grant County 109 Board to support a one-day event for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste; and
- $8,831.44 from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund to Williamstown United Methodist Church.
Pendleton County Awards
Gov. Beshear presented:
- $100,000 from the Cleaner Water Program to the East Pendleton Water District to extend waterlines to unserved Wagner Ferry Road and Marquette Road. This is in addition to the $915,000 Gov. Beshear announced for this project in 2022, bringing total Cleaner Water Program funding to $1,015,000 for this project;
- $175,000 from the Cleaner Water Program to the city of Falmouth for lagoon cleaning;
- $133,958 from the Cleaner Water Program to the East Pendleton Water District to improve surface water quality;
- $132,000 from the Cleaner Water Program to the Pendleton County Water District to extend water service to five customers on Catawba Road;
- $128,000 from the Cleaner Water Program to the Pendleton County Water District to extend water service to five customers on Kentucky Highway 3149;
- $109,545 from the Cleaner Water Program to the city of Butler to replace meters and problematic service lines;
- $85,000 from the Cleaner Water Program to the city of Falmouth to update its water system;
- $48,000 from KYTC to Pendleton County for resurfacing on Russell Cummins Road;
- $18,631 from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to Pendleton County for cybersecurity improvements;
- $16,971 from the American Rescue Plan Act to the Pendleton County Tourism Council for tourism marketing;
- $12,300 from the Energy and Environment Cabinet to the Pendleton County Fiscal Court to support a one-day event for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste;
- $11,400 from the Law Enforcement Protection Program to the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office; and
- $6,429 from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund to Butler United Methodist Church.
Legislators who represent northern Kentucky celebrated today’s announcements.
“Investing in broadband transcends technology; it’s about empowering rural communities and igniting economic growth,” said Sen. Gex Williams of Verona. “These funds reflect our shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents. I appreciate the dedication of everyone involved in making this investment a reality.”
“The funding allocation for Kenton County demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to public safety as land is being donated to support our local emergency management,” Rep. Kim Banta of Fort Mitchell said. “This not only provides essential space for the emergency response infrastructure but also showcases a community-oriented atmosphere, where resources are strategically directed to strengthen resilience and preparedness for unforeseen challenges.”
“Access to broadband is a pivotal component of our interconnected world, playing a fundamental role in shaping the economic landscape. These technologies serve as catalysts for innovation, empowering individuals and businesses. It fosters economic growth by enabling online entrepreneurship and e-commerce,” Rep. Felicia Rabourn of Pendleton said. “This funding award for Owen County will go a long way towards increasing reliable connection to broadband.”
